Indian American physicians tell lawmakers action needed to improve patients access and outcomes
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) presented key concerns of the Indian-American community, particularly physicians, during its annual Legislative Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula, AAPI President, emphasised healthcare’s focus, especially with changes in immigration, Medicare/Medicaid, and medical education policies, according to a media release.
READ: Global crypto leaders to converge in Dubai for the 30th edition of HODL Summit (May 9th, 2025)
Dr. Deepak Kumar, Chair of AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee, highlighted AAPI’s collective efforts to shape the best healthcare for the U.S., with physicians at the forefront, caring for the medically underserved, as they have done for decades when physicians of Indian origin immigrated to the U.S. in larger numbers.
Dr. Kathula and other AAPI leaders presented key healthcare delivery issues in the U.S. to lawmakers. They highlighted issues like fixing Medicare reimbursement cuts, reforming prior authorisation, addressing scope of practice concerns, expediting green card processing for H-1B visa holders, ensuring equitable telemedicine payments, and proposing amendments to the Stark Law.
The May 7-8 event attracted congressmen and senators from both major political parties. Dozens of AAPI members from across the nation shared their concerns with lawmakers during interactive sessions, emphasising the need for changes in the current healthcare delivery system.
In support of AAPI, Indian American House members Reps. Ami Bera, (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and Shri Thanedar (D-MI), addressed the delegates, listened to their concerns, and promised support.
Lawmakers thanked AAPI for its advocacy and contributions to U.S. healthcare and promised to address healthcare system issues and create an efficient system that serves patients and physicians.
AAPI addressed critical healthcare issues for physicians, and lawmakers responded positively. Dr. Vidya Kora, Co-Chair of AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee, expressed encouragement for the momentum and stated that AAPI’s advocacy on these topics will continue.
READ: Stop AAPI Hate campaign to resist Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda (February 20, 2025)
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Co-Chair of AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee, praised AAPI colleagues for ensuring that their concerns and needs were heard by lawmakers and acted upon.
AAPI Legislative Day, an annual event that reignites our energy to address issues with national policy makers and Congress leaders, continues to shape healthcare for patients, focusing on health maintenance rather than disease intervention, according to the release.
After nearly four decades of transformative changes in national healthcare policies benefiting physicians of Indian origin, it’s crucial to renew our friendship with new leadership and brief Congressional leaders on our priorities, it stated.
Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President of AAPI, highlighted the current U.S. physician shortage exacerbated by retiring baby boomers, impacting patient access and healthcare needs. AAPI’s role in advocating for critical healthcare reforms is vital among members and lawmakers.
AAPI members emphasised the importance of increasing residency positions to address the shortage, providing opportunities for qualified Indian-origin doctors to secure residency slots and become fully trained physicians.
Dr. Soumya Neravetla, Treasurer-Elect of AAPI, underscored the significance of Legislative Day in building a strong foundation for future advocacy and legislative successes at both the federal and state levels.
The presence of lawmakers from both parties underscores AAPI’s reputation as strong leaders, with its physicians proudly serving as healthcare providers in all 50 states, the release stated.
The AAPI delegation met with Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra to discuss AAPI initiatives in India and explore future collaboration.
The growing influence of Indian-origin doctors is evident in healthcare, academia, research, and administration across the nation, the release stated. Their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills have carved an enviable niche in the American medical community.
Dr. Kathula emphasized the importance of the annual Legislative Day in crafting efficient healthcare delivery and striving for global health equality and expressed the hope that Congress will act on the issues raised in their white paper.