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The FPD is constantly combating intrusions upon physician medical practice.
The focus is on both employed and independently-practicing physicians.
Membership in the FPD affords consultative review of proposed contracts.
Executive Director Jack
Seddon has written a series of MESSAGES
explaining the importance of physician activism. They are often provoked
by a single incident or issue, but they are broadly applicable nationally.
A newly-announced program provides
members a package of insurance benefits.
Membership also affords a sense of solidarity with other union members, all
of whom view themselves as "professionals"; indeed, physician-presence
was highlighted during the 1999 Labor Day Parade in
Philadelphia, PA.
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The Federation of Physicians and Dentists believes that only through public
awareness, pro-active litigation and pro-active legislation will the practice of
medicine be returned to those responsible for care. Media coverage, including
articles in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal,
and The New York Times, as well as in professional publications,
has brought physician concerns and the necessity for physician unions to the
forefront. FPD’s national affiliate, NUHHCE (National Union of Hospital and
Healthcare Employees) had a voice as part of the president’s Health Care
Reform Committee by addressing physician concerns about managed care and the
impact on patient care; the international affiliate, AFSCME (American Federation
of State, County and Municipal Employees) provides support to 1.4 million
members.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS, SERVICES AND REPRESENTATION
- Third Party Messenger Service -
FPD provides expert representation to
Physicians negotiating agreements with a managed care company or insurance
carrier. This is a confidential service which includes reviews, analysis and
reports on insurance companies. The Federation is an advocate of exempting
physicians from the antitrust provisions in the law that create an unequal
playing field for physician negotiation.
- Labor Relations -
FPD employs full-time professional staff to
represent you in collective bargaining and other areas of employer/employee
relations.
- Disciplinary Representation –
FPD retains full-time staff and
attorneys for representational support in regard to licensure discipline.
- Legislative Representation –
FPD retains a professional
lobbyist specifically for improving and obtaining legislation beneficial to
Physicians and other Health Care Professionals. The national affiliates of FPD
provide the same services in the U.S. Congress. Our lobbyist tracks
legislation effecting our members.
- Research, Policy Assessments –
Professional staff from both our
national and international affiliates provide you the most up-to-date data for
special research projects aimed at helping FPD members.
- Planned Yearly CME Symposiums –
Reduced registration rates for FPD
members.
- Sentinel
newsletter
- Affiliate Support – FPD
members gain from expertly staffed
departments in areas such as: Research & Collective Bargaining, Public
Policy, Legal Counsel, Community Action, Women's Rights, Education &
Leadership and Communications.
- Mortgage Program –
Offers simplified mortgage application process
and affordable rates.
- MasterCard for members.
- "Stop-Loss" Program
– Up to $1500 in legal fees for
defense against administrative complaints.
- Life Insurance
- Loan Program –
Unsecured Loans from $2500 to $15,000
- Economic Services –
This includes financial planning
- Tax Deferred Annuities
- Non-work related Legal Services
- Career & Academic Planning
- Long Term Health Care Plans
- Dental Plan
- Automobile Rental Discounts
- Driver and Traveler Program
- Shopper Program
- North American Van Lines –
Moving Discounts
- Firestone Tire and Service Center –
Discounts for members
- Discount Auto & Homeowners Insurance
- Career and Academic Planning
- Publications and Communications –
FPD provides members with regular
issues of various publications to keep you abreast of areas of interest and
relevance.
- Scholarship Programs
Other "fringe benefits"
are afforded, maintaining awareness of what other programs offer.
FPD strives to raise the standards of health care and
professional and public service and to expand and secure conditions essential to
that service. It provides an ally with other organized groups in the pursuit of
common aims.
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