since i can't read timesnewroman, i'm copying that part of the letter here to read for myself and other neuro folks' benefit....betty
breaking up as necessary for us as well...
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a non-profit organization founded in 1943, is dedicated to fostering private medicine, ethical medicine, and the patient-physician relationship and protecting them from third-party encroachment.
Through thousands of member physicians and surgeons, AAPS represents virtually all medical specialties nationwide, primarily in small and solo practices.
AAPS is funded almost entirely by physicians, reflecting its representation of its members and their patients, in contrast with many other medical organizations that rely on funding from outside sources.
Justices of the United States Supreme Court have cited legal submissions by AAPS in multiple cases, most recently in 2008.
AAPS objects to the overly rigid IDSA Lyme Guidelines (``Guidelines'') that were published in 2006.
For example, on page 1090, the Guidelines mandate laboratory confirmation of an observed condition (extracutaneous Lyme disease) in order to diagnose and treat it.
On pages 1089-90, the Guidelines prohibit clinical diagnosis and treatment of particular conditions associated with Lyme Disease if based on ``clinical findings alone.''
These Guidelines should be revised to recognize that the physician must retain full flexibility in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.
Medical societies do not practice medicine; physicians do.
The mandate for specific laboratory confirmation is particularly objectionable, as testing for Lyme disease is notoriously insensitive and unreliable.
Patients who do not meet this criterion would often be denied treatment that could mitigate severe chronic disability. In some cases, long-term treatment is required.
Physicians must be able to exercise their professional judgment concerning the best treatment for each individual patient, without restraint by one-size-fits-all Guidelines, which amount to mandates and prohibitions.
The sine qua non of good medical practice is individualized care for individual patients.
Guidelines should not usurp this in any way.
It is each physician, and often only the physician, who knows the patient's history, course of illness, severity of presentation, and responsiveness to treatment.
AAPS objects to any curtailment of individualized treatment of patients by competent physicians, and no Guidelines should be adopted that infringe on such treatment.
Andrew Schlafly
General Counsel, Association of American Physicians & Surgeons, Inc. (AAPS)
Contact address for AAPS: 1601 N. Tucson Blvd., Suite 9, Tucson, AZ 85716-3450
Full text of objectionable provisions cited above:
****************************
tincup, thanks for posting this; i wouldn't have seen this otherwise.
i love the part of LET TREATING DR. DECIDE what is best for patient...
without one size fits all!! good letter and thanks to AAPS. Posted by TadichGrill (Member # 19679) on :
Very cool TC!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Be sure to see the introduction...
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), which represents physicians and surgeons in small practices, sets the IDSA Lyme disease guidelines in its cross-hairs.
Why?
Because the physicians need flexibility and the IDSA guidelines are mandates that restrict the ability of physicians to provide individualized care.
The full text of the AAPS letter to the IDSA follows:
````````````````````````````````````````````````
Yes... my bet is the ducks are scrambling their eggs about now.
OUCH on them!!!
Posted by TadichGrill (Member # 19679) on :
Line up with your dinner plates everyone the roasted Duck a l'orange is almost cooked to perfection.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
OH MY GOD!!!
AWESOME NEWS Tincup!!! Thanks for making my night!!!!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Glad you are smiling! Me too!!!
And don't miss what OUR own LLMD's have done.... amazing work!
Thanks again TC!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
I wish my father were still alive to read this. Oh, my!
-
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
Thank you, Tincup, once again for keeping us informed.
It is wonderful that this group has taken the "right road" and challenged the IDSA.
I still have concerns, though, that so many mainstream doctors aren't educated enough to make a clinical diagnosis. One step at a time, I guess.
But I don't want to take away from the significance of this letter and the AAPS's public stand on the issue. BRAVO!
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
It's just common sense. The fact that people haven't been doing that only serves to underscore the greed and propaganda of the last 8 years.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
At last they have stepped up to the plate. How could doctors that take their responsibility seriously NOT attack the rediculous IDSA guidelines? The IDSA has harmed so many, and other doctors must know this.
Great news, thanks for posting.
[ 04-25-2009, 08:24 AM: Message edited by: Vermont_Lymie ]
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Kudos to those who continuously go to bat for us.
Thank God for people who actually "treat" the patient
And not the big pharma and self promoting interests.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by livinlyme (Member # 3773) on :
Well. I clicked on the link and it is a pure black page I happened to select all and copy and paste it but any other joe who goes to that page will not even think to see what lies under that blackness.. is it my computer GEEZ I sure hope not.. i can see it if i turn the laptop a certain way.. but very hard to see... I have no trouble with other web sites.. what is the point of having a web page if it is black on black or blackish?
I know someone was good enough to copy and paste for the Lyme Board here but what about other people who go to that website.. it is horrible how they have the contract for font against a terribly busy grey back ground that does not make it easy to read .. like black on white...
can someone contact them and let them know it would be nice to have it black font on white background to make it more user friendly? I did not find a "contact us" link to do it myself or I certainly would have.. thanks for the link though.. Linda D
Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
Wonderful! I guess we can call or write to them at: 1601 N. Tucson Blvd. Suite 9 Tucson, AZ 85716-3450 Phone: (800) 635-1196 I was trying to find an e-mail but had no luck. I would like to write to Andrew Schlafly directly, does anyone have an email or anything?
Also, "Justices of the United States Supreme Court have cited legal submissions by AAPS in multiple cases, most recently in 2008."
Does this mean they can do this against the IDSA?
Thanks, Ann
[ 04-25-2009, 10:29 AM: Message edited by: lakes592 ]
Posted by nomoremuscles (Member # 9560) on :
Thanks for posting this, TC.
Is it just me, or does it seem like little by little people are starting to speak out? Maybe we are witnessing the very beginnings of a turning tide. Maybe.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
THIS and the other submission from ILADS made my YEAR! THANK YOU Tincup for posting this!
And greatest thanks of all to those ordinary dedicated individuals and courageous professionals for putting it on the line and standing up for the truth!
quote:Originally posted by livinlyme: Well. I clicked on the link and it is a pure black page
It sounds like the blog CSS code may not be optimized or even viewable for all browser types and versions/operating system combinations. I have seen another person complain about the same thing with that blog site.
What browser type, browser version, and OS you are using? Maybe if you let them know they can check it out. You might have to use a different browser to read the site, or update to a newer version, if what you are currently using does not support their version of CSS.
I can't find any contact info for the blog owner. Maybe it is on the CALDA main site? I get lost on the site (Neuro-Lyme), trying to find contacts.
Posted by jt345 (Member # 19638) on :
In the back of my mind I always felt sooner or later caring Doctors would stand and be counted.
These are the ones Who really care and are praticing too help,not just for the money.
Thanks Tini for that post,it made Me feel not so alone. appleseed
Posted by migs (Member # 16496) on :
Thanks for that. Great news.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
"can someone contact them and let them know it would be nice to have it black font on white background to make it more user friendly?"
Hey hey Lakes....
??
I agree it is difficult due to the "font" but when I am looking at it... there is a "side panel" of black on each side... and a white page with black typing.
Is that what you see?
I am happy to make suggestions... but yeah right.. you want me to tell someone to change it to something I already see?
They already KNOW I am nuts... I just hate having to add to that image.
Actually, work with me and tell me if that is what YOU see... what I described... so I can tell them what is happening.
I'll be glad to try.
Posted by cottonbrain (Member # 13769) on :
TC this is such great news. thanks for keeping us informed...and keeping our chin up Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
The thanks go to Lorraine Johnson... who not only does so much all the time (you'll never know all the good stuff)... but she also keeps us informed too. She is trying.
Three thumbs up for that!
Often folks are so busy "doing" the things behind the scenes it is extremely difficult to make time to write up all the stuff going on.
I know these announcements are squeezed in between the other "work" but I sure appreciate seeing them when they come out ... and thank anyone who tries so hard to keep us informed.
But thanks cotton and everyone. It is nice when the messenger isn't shot.
That often happens!
And I have the bullet holes to prove it.
HA!
I like these short and to the point blog things. Hot off the press too. And well written if I may say so.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
Tincup do you know how to contact Lorraine Johnson on that site, or anyone who handles the site design or technical issues?
I get soooo lost trying to find out info about the bloggers or the people behind the site.
Thank you so much for your keeping us informed of all of these great pieces of news!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey there nenet...
I just made a contact about the concerns.
Phyllis is off for a few days... and I doubt Lorraine does the tech stuff... but I sent these posts to her about the viewing concerns...
And I know she will pass it along to CALDA volunteers to see what can be done. No promises.. but I would like a site to be happy for us too. Maybe they can make accommodations?
If you have a message.. slap in on here... or email me privately if you prefer.
I don't have permission (haven't asked actually) to share their personal email addresses on the board... so I would rather check on that before I would post them.
Do you think these two amazing submissions will really, truly make a difference? Or is the IDSA unstoppable?
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
Tincup,
Sure - and thank you!
I wasn't asking for me, but for those that are having problems viewing. I can see it all just fine.
I'm sure your note will be fine - there is also the possibility that those having trouble viewing will just have to switch browsers or update the browsers they are using. Some blog and CSS code may not be compatible with all versions of browsers.
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tracy9: Do you think these two amazing submissions will really, truly make a difference? Or is the IDSA unstoppable?
I think they are going to have an impact, regardless of what the IDSA may get away with in this particular battle. I believe with this kind of onslaught of truth, that we will be winning the WAR.
I think IDSA is about to have some very very rough times, and will sustain far more than a slap on the wrist, with all of the news coming out about conflicts of interest and corruption in Guidelines-making groups, not just within IDSA, but in many areas of medicine.
I believe this massive collection of submissions from reputable and credible sources is a great boon for us all, and are the much needed catalyst for our cause!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey nomo...
You said.. "Is it just me, or does it seem like little by little people are starting to speak out? Maybe we are witnessing the very beginnings of a turning tide."
It is a long hard road... but yes... we are moving forward.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
"Do you think these two amazing submissions will really, truly make a difference? Or is the IDSA unstoppable?"
I think the IDSA THINKS they are unstoppable.
That is why we keep going and going and going... and why it is so hard... and so slow moving.
But..... we are taking chips out of the old block heads.
Have you ever heard of a group of doctors so vindictive?
People who actually are in a position to help and they go out of the way to block progress instead?
People who TRY so hard to prevent sick patients from getting help?
I've never seen anything like it.
Now, the fact we are RIGHT... and have the documentation to prove it means a lot.
But the next step is to HOPE the new review panel will use their brains, their hearts and their souls and do what they were appointed to do.
We can only hope that they do what is right.
And if they don't.... we won't quit there.
And I really wouldn't want to be in their shoes at that point.
OUCH on that bad move!
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
True story dawg, word.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
great comments from above. yes, phyllis automated note said she'd be back on april 29th...
Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
I guess I misunderstood that part sorry for the confusion. I thought it meant they have taken cases all the way to the Supreme court. Must have been me dreaming again...Picturing the jerks on the IDSA at trial before the Supreme Court. Aww Dare to dream!
Posted by Snailhead (Member # 18091) on :
Once again, Tincup, thanks for keeping me informed.
Posted by lyme2health (Member # 19981) on :
What wonderful news! Thanks to all doctors, patients, and advocates who speak out.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
snail mail address to:
Andrew Schlafly, Attorney
AAPS
1601 North Tucson Boulevard, Suite 9,
Tucson, Arizona 85716-3450
Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
This is huge, and needs to be up there for more eyes to see before it drops to page 2.
Bump!
(also Metallic Blue, you cracked me up)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Our God is an awesome God!
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
Yes this is spectacular news. In one fell swoop, IDSA has been repudiated by thousands of physicians. This comes on the heels of the 7,000-member Conn. Medical Society's support of the Conn. Lyme Bill in the testimony presented by Dr. William Handelman, CMS President.
IDSA has suffered three very public humilations thus far, the first being Blumenthal's unprecedented actions. Can they take any more? It is certainly making them cranky, making them appear contemptuous of suffering patients.
Perhaps they will do the honorable thing and fall on their swords. More likely, however, the IDSA Worms will slither back into their worm-holes, back to the darkness they so covet.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Beautifully said, paulieinct! The public repudiation of the IDSA's superstitious and non-scientific belief system is just beginning...
thanks to everyone who is making this happen, not least is that fantastic book by Pam Weintraub!
Posted by John S (Member # 19756) on :
Halleluiah!
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
up
Posted by D Bergy (Member # 9984) on :
Is there not a group of Lawyers that can make a class action suit against the IDSA?
There seems to be ample evidence that their guidelines were based on deliberately incomplete information.
They also had obvious conflicts of interest, and their fully biased information has resulted in the deaths and suffering of thousands, if not tens of thousands of patients.
Since the guidelines were for all practical purposes used to help the insurance industry and the ties and methodology can be documented, it is a provable case.
The guidelines were a deliberate fraud, which have resulted in harm to Lyme patients, my wife included.
This needs to happen to send a message to any other "bought and paid for" medical group from trying this method of denying care for the financial benefit of special interest groups.
Dan
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
Dan:
I would say that there has got to be an attorney who would jump on this as a class-action lawsuit. Of course, if the IDSA guidelines are revised as a result of the guidelines review, that would make it a slam dunk. Because any revision of the guidelines would be based on information that was already available to the IDSA worms when they wrote them in 2006.
Perhaps Lorraine Johnson (?) would know. I think she is an attorney for one of the Lyme groups?
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
Dan, This is something some of us have been talking about for awhile. You're going to see a massive surge soon, politically, legally, and medically. Patients are advancing on the enemy, and the science is rising to the top like the cream of the crop. It's going to be a nightmare for the IDSA.
People need to be taking news articles like this to their doctors. They need to be giving their physicians copies of Under Our Skin. They need to be giving their physicians documents on the outcome of AG Blumenthals investigation conclusions.
Patients need to produce copies of these documents and share them as much as possible in order that people understand the conflict and the science.
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
That's my "dream come true". A class action lawsuit against IDSA and insurance companies. I hope I can see it in my lifetime.
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
quote: You're going to see a massive surge soon, politically, legally, and medically. Patients are advancing on the enemy, and the science is rising to the top like the cream of the crop. It's going to be a nightmare for the IDSA.
I think you are right. I want a front row seat when that happens!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
And it must be true because the New York Times said so.
Here is the article Amanda is referring to with the rest of the story.
paulie, refresh my neuro memory ... who is Phyllis Schlafley ??
Posted by Leelee (Member # 19112) on :
quote:Originally posted by bettyg: paulie, refresh my neuro memory ... who is Phyllis Schlafley ??
I was just going to ask the same thing.
Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
I think I will send this to Erin Brockovich. I have wriiten too her twice now. Maybe I will write to her each week until I get a response.
Thanks for that address Betty! I will add it to my to do list. I also want to write to all the Doctors and positive contributors in "Under my Skin," thanking them.
Yes Metallic we do need to be printing things like this and giving them to our doctors. I will be giving a copy of UOS to the doctor who diagnosed me, my pcp and the neurologist I recently saw. I hope others do the same and I have also talked to the local high school and they are going to show it in May in the health classes.
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
Tincup:
I deleted my post. I didn't mean to stir up controversy. I apologize if anyone was offended. -Paulie
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Paulie...
I was not at all offended (probably too dumb to be offended IF that was the intent and I don't think it was- not at all).. just really curious as to what you knew or saw that I was missing totally.
In the light of also not wanting to raise a ruckus... I deleted my post as well.
Thank you for your consideration in that matter.
But I am still curious. If you care to share, please do.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
ann, keep us informed about erin Brockovich; great activism.
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
a reminder for us all to write a THANK YOU LETTER to these drs. for what they chose to do !!! standing up for us lyme/co-infection patients !!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)