HOUSTON (November 10, 2009)--The American Medical Association has voted to continue its support of ongoing health reform efforts, but the doctors' association also reiterated wariness Monday about proposals that threaten doctors' pocketbooks and independence.

The action at a meeting in Houston could be seen as a vote of confidence for AMA leaders who voiced support for the $1.2-trillion, 10-year bill the U.S. House passed Saturday.

Several dissident organizations within the AMA urged the group to reverse its position and come out with a strong statement opposing Democrat-led reform efforts.

Some urged opposition to any health overhaul that includes a public insurance option and Medicare payment cuts to doctors, and that excludes tort reform, but delegates instead approved the moderate path chosen by AMA's leaders.