Answering a need for medical groups, IPAs, and integrated delivery systems to have one voice speaking on their behalf in the state of California, the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) has announced the formation of the California Medical Group Association (CMGA). Organized as a state chapter of AMGA, CMGA will serve as the single voice advocating on behalf of medical groups, IPAs, and integrated delivery systems in front of and with California legislative and regulatory bodies, payors of all types, patients, media, and the public at large.

"We desperately need to have one voice fulfilling one mission in this state," said David Druker, President and CEO of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, who will serve as the first Chair of CMGA's Executive Committee. "CMGA will serve as the focal organization to lead medical groups and IPAs in this state. The new association will also provide a vehicle for increased collaboration and communication with hospitals, health plans, and purchasers, both directly and through their representative organizations."

A member-driven steering committee developed the organizational structure and governance of the new chapter. The CMGA Governing Board and Executive Committee will determine the final mission and vision for the organization. The founding members of CMGA include: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, The Permanente Medical Group, Inc., Southern California Permanente, Alta Bates Medical Group, Camino Medical Group, CareMore Medical Group, CHW Medical Foundation-San Joaquin, Empire Physicians Medical Group, Loma Linda University Health Care, Marin Individual Practice Association, Mills-Peninsula Medical Group, NAMM California, San Jose Medical Group, Santa Cruz Medical Clinic, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, Sharp Community Medical Group, Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, Sutter Medical Group, Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, Sutter North Medical Group, Sutter West Medical Group and UC Davis Medical Group.

"In order for CMGA to succeed, widespread participation in the organization is crucial," stresses Druker. "Without it, medical groups will remain at the mercy of the well-intended, but uncoordinated legislation and regulations that have had a negative effect on the health care delivery in this state."

CMGA states its primary goals are:

* Providing strong legislative and regulatory representation in Sacramento, California
* Providing ongoing communication and education to various constituencies regarding the benefits of medical group practice and the delegated model
* Supplementing, supporting, and enhancing AMGA's educational and networking programs for leaders of California medical groups, IPAs, and integrated delivery systems
* Cooperating as necessary with statewide health care organizations to improve health care delivery to California's patients

AMGA will provide interim support and will serve as the administrative office of CMGA. "Our members in California have let us know loud and clear that they need an organization to effectively represent their voice in front of legislative and regulatory bodies in Sacramento," said Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., AMGA's President and CEO. "AMGA has emerged as the national voice for medical groups and the patients they serve throughout the country, and we have created CMGA to fill a need in California to speak exclusively on behalf of medical groups and IPAs in the state."

AMGA is an association that represents medical groups, including some of the nation's largest integrated health care delivery systems. AMGA's mission is to shape the health care environment by advancing high quality, cost-effective, patient-centered, and physician-directed health care. The members of AMGA deliver health care to more than 50 million patients in 40 states, including 15 million capitated lives. The average AMGA member group has 186 physicians and 12 satellite locations. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, AMGA is the strategic partner for medical groups providing a comprehensive package of benefits, including political advocacy, educational and networking programs and publications, benchmarking data services, and financial and operations assistance.