Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Budget Committee Health Care Task Force, attended the Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Denton, Texas on enhancing access to quality, affordable health care, specifically access to emergency services in rural and underserved communities.
During the hearing, Congressman Burgess highlighted the severe shortage of physicians and emergency health providers in Texas and the urgent need to strengthen the workforce shortage to ensure patients are able to access timely emergency medical treatment and care. Congressman Burgess also spoke on his bill, the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act, which would repeal the ban on physician owned hospitals. This bill will address access issues for health care services in rural areas and incentivize physicians to remain in practice while expanding healthcare options for patients in areas of need.
Click Here for Video of Dr. Burgess’ Opening Remarks.
Thank you, Chairman Smith, for extending the invitation to join today's hearing.
This is important. I want thank our witnesses for being here today. Four and a half million Americans are residing in counties without access to acute care hospital, so the disparity in health care across our nation is significant. Texas stands out, with areas where there are multiple health care options compared to regions, where treatment options are extremely limited.
Additionally, we are facing a severe shortage of physicians and emergency health care providers throughout our system, which exacerbates this challenge. Representing North Dallas and having served as a practicing physician for nearly three decades prior to my time in Congress, I intimately understand the challenges faced by physicians. From government regulation to inadequate Medicare reimbursements to the issue of burnout, these obstacles underscore the urgent need for bolstering our healthcare workforce.
Once again, thank you for having me. Thank you for our witnesses for being here and I look forward to the discussion.
