On Wednesday, MSDC President Dr. Desiree Pineda testified on behalf of DC physicians on the need for a robust physician network throughout DC.

The Committee on Health hearing was done virtually less than a week after the Committee heard from Administration witnesses. The public hearing, which featured 20 panels of witnesses, allowed numerous organizations and residents to share their thoughts on the budget.

Dr. Pineda began by emphasizing the desire for MSDC to work with the organizations testifying to build a robust health network in the District. She then highlighted two areas of support for the Mayor's budget: funding for primary and specialty care providers, and funds to build the new hospital on the St. Elizabeth's campus.

She then pivoted into the majority of her testimony, which focused on how MSDC, the government, and private partners can build a robust physician network, especially in underserved areas. Her testimony included the following recommendations:

• Ensure the budget increases Medicaid provider payments on par with private payer payments or at least on par with Medicare payments
• Ensure hospital contracts with the District carve out spaces for affiliated independent physician practices
• Ensure that current practicing physicians in Wards 7 and 8, especially those practicing at UMC, have priority to buy or rent in the new hospital office building.
• Continue to fund HPLRP and other funding mechanisms to help new physician practices in underserved area
• Reform medical liability laws to offer some protection to physicians acting in good faith
• Create funding mechanisms and incentives to encourage physicians to rent or buy property in underserved areas, the same way Prince George’s County is doing to recruit DC physicians across the border. Physicians already practicing in Wards 7 and 8 and UMC should have priority to these funds and incentives.