Physicians are essential to the healthcare system. They treat patients, perform surgery, write prescriptions and conduct research advancing the field.
But their opinions carry less weight on Capitol Hill than in the operating room, Becker’s reports.
Health policy is shaped by legislators and influenced by lobbyists representing drug companies, medtech, insurers, hospitals and more. In the first half of 2021, healthcare organizations spent $331 million on lobbying, led by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturing of America. The top five spenders were:
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America: $15.2 million
- American Hospital Association: $12.1 million
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: $12 million
- American Medical Association: $10.9 million
- Pfizer: $6.6 million
The American Medical Association promotes the “art and science of medicine” to advocate on behalf of medical societies and all physicians, but their spending is overshadowed by the numerous other non-provider industry interests. Read more.
