Statement on Universal Health Insurance

This statement was approved by the Board of Regents at its February 2004 meeting.

The American College of Surgeons endorses universal access to care within our current pluralistic health care system.

The achievement of universal health insurance coverage should be completed incrementally over the next decade, with some features perhaps being implemented on a state-by-state basis according to local priorities and needs.

The American College of Surgeons should invest in and promote information technology to improve the effectiveness, quality, and safety of patient care. Reducing health care costs in this fashion is much more desirable than containing costs by rationing care. Administrative reforms, such as the use of a standard health insurance claim form throughout the country, should also be pursued.

Reprinted from Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons
Vol.89, No. 3, March 2004