ATLANTA – Area physicians met with local area legislators in Atlanta to discuss how health insurance programs supported by the state of Georgia affect patients and physicians’ ability to care for patients.

Statesboro physicians traveled to the state Capitol to meet with several state representatives and senators during the 2011 legislative session. The purpose of the visit was to convey challenges physicians face in caring for patients under programs administered through the Department of Community Health (DCH). These programs include, State Health Benefit Plan, Board of Regents, Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids.

The Statesboro physicians visiting included:  Don Connell, M.D., Ms. Connie Connell, Aaron Davidson, M.D., John Hodges, M.D., Benjamin Oldham, M.D., and Michelle Zeanah, M.D.  Ms. Tara Jeffers of Statesboro Imaging also attended. They were joined at the Capitol by Medical Association of Georgia representatives, Ms. Rebecca Greener and “There is a clear consensus among our physicians and physician leaders that our area legislators continue to promote access to quality health care in southeast Georgia,” said Dr. Michelle Zeanah of Bulloch Pediatrics.

The legislators visiting with physician constituents on patient advocary matters included: Jon Burns, R-Newington; Jack Hill, R-Reidsville; Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro; and Ann Purcell, R-Rincon and Jan Tankersley, R-Brooklet

“Thank you for taking the time to visit the Capitol,” Sen Hill said. “All of us in the district benefit from your insights into health care.”

The physicians also planned to discuss Georgia’s implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and how patients and physicians will be protected as the new national health care reform law is implemented through health exchanges.