June 8, 2011                                                                                   570-893-5420

Congressman Glenn ‘GT” Thompson Addresses State of Healthcare

Speaks to Lock haven Hospital Medical and Professional Staff 

Lock Haven, PA – U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA5) addressed the medical and professional staff of Lock Haven Hospital, during the monthly medical staff meeting.

“I am privileged to be here,” said Congressman Thompson as he opened his remarks by outlining three current pieces of healthcare legislation that he has worked to author. The first addresses the repeal of the need for competitive bidding for durable medical equipment and supplies because the current law “creates a monopoly that hurts local Mom and Pop operations and puts them out of business,” said Thompson.

The second piece of legislation cracks down on waste, fraud and abuse by substandard providers of prosthetic and orthotic devices; while the third address the way that behavioral health services are provided to members of the military who are returning from deployment and charges the Pentagon with studying the root cause of an increase in suicide rates among returning veterans. “This will fundamentally change the way these services are delivered to our veterans, “explained Thompson.

Congressman Thompson also addressed the current state of Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act, the healthcare reform legislation. He outlined the current legal challenges being posed to the legislation. “Ultimately the Constitutionality of the law will be determined by the Supreme Court,” said Thompson.

In responding to question from the medical staff, Congressman Thompson spoke about the looming insolvency of the Medicare program, now targeted for the year 2020. “One of the most morally irresponsible things we can do is to do nothing at all,” said Thompson. “Hopefully the debate is over (about the fact) that we need to do something (about Medicare.) It would be devastating if Medicare was allowed to become insolvent.”

Thompson also addressed concerns about national economy. “One of the worst things we can do to any business, whether it is a physician practice, hospital or even local businesses like First Quality is to create an environment of economic uncertainty,” stated Thompson.

“We appreciated Congressman Thompson’s legislative update and his frank comments on the need to remove questions of economic uncertainty and the impact it has on every business,” said Cindy Segar-Miller, chief executive officer, Lock Haven Hospital. “It was clear based on their questions for Congressman Thompson, that the medical staff is focused on the impact of legislation and regulation on patient care and that he will continue to be a valuable advocate in Washington for healthcare in the Lock Haven community.”

 ###

QUALITY CARE – RIGHT HERE

The highly skilled team of health care professionals at Lock Haven Hospital is dedicated to keeping the Lock Haven community healthy. Lock Haven Hospital's areas of expertise and quality programs include:general and vascular surgery, OB/GYN services, primary care, chronic pain management, orthopedic care and emergency services.

LOCKHAVENHOSPITAL.COM