ArMA Launches Campaign to Reclaim Healthcare From Politics and Bureaucratic Red Tape

December 19, 2024

In collaboration with the American Medical Association, ArMA hopes to strengthen the bond between Arizona's physicians and patients through "Your Care is at Our Core," a national publicity campaign.

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Medical Association is proud to launch the "Your Care is at Our Core" campaign in partnership with the American Medical Association. This campaign highlights physicians' tireless dedication to providing high-quality patient care despite the healthcare system's barriers. In so doing, it hopes to strengthen the bond between physicians and patients, who face many of the same challenges in navigating healthcare.


Over the past few years, physicians have faced growing reputational challenges ignited by partisan battles over healthcare, including the COVID-19 pandemic, science and evidence-based care, administrative burdens imposed by insurers, and the prevalence of mis- and disinformation. These factors have distracted from what matters most — the compassionate and essential care Arizona physicians provide for their patients.

"The corporatization and politicization of medicine have driven a wedge between physicians and their patients," stated ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF. "However, we must unite. Both physicians and patients are growing increasingly frustrated by the barriers to high-quality and comprehensive care. It is time for us to direct our shared frustrations towards collaboratively developing solutions."

The data speaks for itself — nearly all Arizonans believe that it is important for physicians to be involved in their diagnosis and treatment, and nationally, 79% of patients agree that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.

Physicians are often pulled away from direct patient care by the growing demands of administrative tasks, insurance complexities, and systemic pressures. Yet, despite these burdens, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care.

Physicians understand that time spent listening to and treating patients is essential to providing the care they deserve. Healthcare is a vulnerable space for patients, and establishing a meaningful relationship is necessary to build trust and provide the most effective care and treatment. Unfortunately, decisions made by third parties in healthcare, like insurance companies and others, are dramatically limiting the time physicians can spend with patients.

"Insurers' red-tape and delayed processes are primary drivers of physician burnout, healthcare inefficiencies, and most critically, poor health outcomes for patients," shared ArMA CEO Libby De Bie, CAE. "That's why ArMA is leading efforts to reform commercial medical insurance and increase transparency. Through targeted legislation and awareness, we hope to make Arizona the best place to practice medicine and receive care."

The "Your Care is at Our Core" campaign not only highlights the clinical expertise of physicians but also celebrates the resilience and humanity required of them to navigate a healthcare system that, at times, hinders the very care they strive to deliver. As we advocate for solutions to mend the healthcare system's broken parts, the physician community is reassuring patients: your care is at our core.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .