Rheumatology practices have a voice in payer advocacy through the Insurance Subcommittee of the ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care.
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Rheumatology practices have a voice in payer advocacy through the Insurance Subcommittee of the ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care.
Blair Solow, MD |
In 1916, a handful of conservation advocates successfully lobbied Congress to create the National Park Service, which now protects more than 85 million acres of U.S. land. Dedicated rheumatology advocacy has lasting effects, too, as evidenced by several policy wins in 2021 and efforts underway for 2022.
The final rule, issued Nov. 2, finalizes many policies in the July proposed rule, including the decreased conversion factor, billing for shared visits and teaching services, the continuation of telehealth services and inclusion of an ACR-led Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Value Pathway.
Renée Bacher |
“Advocacy is not about bribery. There’s nothing dirty about advocating for your patients and the future of your profession in terms of workforce, therapeutic advances and the financial viability of our practices. It’s our duty to do this,” he says. In his new role as the RheumPAC chair, he wants to help ACR/ARP members “see how vital these activities are to the success of our profession.”
Eric Dein, MD |
Eric Dein, MD, shared rheumatology perspectives with five congressional offices on Sept. 28 as part of the virtual Hill Day. Read his hour-by-hour account, including staffer education, legislative requests and prior authorization woes.
Leslie Mertz, PhD |
Seeing the challenges her rural patients faced in accessing specialty care, Amanda Schnell, MD, was inspired to make advocacy an integral part of her work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Leslie Mertz, PhD |
Rheumatology advocacy added focus and purpose to Dr. Brittan’s medical training and now, in the rheumatology division at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, strengthens her relationships with colleagues and patients alike.
Larry Beresford |
As insurers phase out pandemic-related flexibilities, many are raising new obstacles to try to limit their financial exposure.
With lawmakers home for the summer recess, you have the opportunity to meet with them in their local offices and help them understand how key legislation affects patients and healthcare providers. The ACR offers tools, resources and more to help.
Brenda Lee Frie, EdD, OTR/L, CHT, uses her experiences in professional advocacy to inspire her students to get involved and make a difference from the earliest stages of their careers.