I joined the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC). The committee develops and reviews policies most important to rheumatologists and our patients. We work to change payer and PBM policies regarding step therapy and nefarious co-pay accumulator programs, which are increasingly used by insurance companies to prevent copay assistance from counting toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
We also take our complaints to Capitol Hill twice a year to address our concerns. As doctors, we can offer unique insights into day-to-day practice and educate those responsible for the law that affects us. One could say we spend the day complaining, but we are speaking out against practices and policies that are unjust and harmful, and educating lawmakers about these challenges—in other words, we are advocating. Learning about these issues—even those that did not personally affect me—and working in the company of others dedicated to improving our field and our patients is inspiring.
Positive Outlets
Now, when a patient has trouble accessing medication, I don’t shrug and commiserate over the state of our country’s medical system—I encourage them to call their representatives to share their stories. I am surprised at how many people respond positively to this suggestion. Every one of us has a voice, and we should use them.
It is a privilege to care for our patients and work toward change. So here is my challenge to other ACR/ARP members: The next time you are frustrated, combat that feeling with advocacy and let me know how you feel afterward. Don’t get me wrong; I still complain. But I do try to minimize it (and do it out of my kids’ earshot). And I look for positive outlets for my complaints. this past spring, I wrote an op-ed about the effect the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision will have on our rheumatology patients. My now 15-year-old cut it out and framed it for me.
Anyone who can complain can advocate. That is each of us.
Here are some suggestions:
- Call your legislators and review your concerns about Medicare reimbursements, the cost of copays and telemedicine coverage. They do want to hear from us.
- Donate to RheumPAC—any amount helps.
- Make sure you are registered to vote—doctors are 9% less likely to vote than the general population.
- Join Vot-ER, wear a badge and encourage your patients to vote.
- Tell the ACR about your concerns. We want to hear from you.
- Learn more about advocacy in the upcoming Advocacy 101.
Belinda Birnbaum, MD, is a rheumatologist at Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists Association in Pennsylvania and a member of the ACR Government Affairs Committee.
