Health Networks Hire Lobbyists to Track Industry Legislation.(Originated from Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Ga.)

Apr. 8--Managed care...medicaid cuts...insurance deductibles...health care reform. That's confusing enough.

Add in congressional sub-committees and legislation, and some doctors would throw in their stethoscopes.

That's why Lamar Sims, clinic administrator for Horizon Physician Network in Columbus, added lobbying and monitoring legislation to his list of responsibilities. His involvement with these time-consuming matters lets doctor focus on medicine.

In addition to managing the accounting and employee benefits for a group of 23 Columbus doctors, Sims faxes summaries of pending legislation to colleagues throughout the state and informs them of changes that could affect patient care and the bottom line of the health care business. …