The Accredited Medical Equipment Providers of America (AMEPA) has introduced a Competitive Bidding Patient Advocacy Line that provides a toll-free hotline for patients and caregivers to connect quickly with legislators about the need for quality home medical equipment and timely services.
Called PAL, the toll-free number prompts callers to enter their zip code. Then, they are given a list of legislators to choose from and are automatically connected to an office quickly, without fees.
The system offers advantages over asking patients to contact their legislators by calling the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 1-202-224-3121. That requires a long distance call and then trying to connect with the correct congressional office.
AMEPA's Rob Brant said that the PAL is similar to a system used by the American Medical Association, and he said even though the system was just launched, it has already handled hundreds of calls.
"I was visiting a physician's office and noticed a flyer about the AMA's Patient Advocacy Line,’’ he said. “There is an entire section devoted to the initiative on their website. I figured if the most respected association in healthcare uses it, it must get results."
AMEPA is seeking financial support to maintain the system, and is providing flyers and other information. To learn more, visit http://www.competitivebiddingpal.com/.