Helping ACR/ARP members talk to lawmakers about rheumatology-related policy is a key part of the ACR’s advocacy efforts. A postcard-writing campaign to Congress highlights outreach efforts of a new member engagement working group.
Government Affairs: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Government Affairs Committee member Donald Miller, PharmD, reflects on the effects of rheumatology advocacy work over time, noting that progress is often easier to see from the distance.
The ACR Gets Rheumatologists Paid More
The implementation of the new G2211 code on Jan. 1 increases reimbursement for rheumatology visits, but the ACR continues to fight for retroactive repayment of the across-the-board Medicare physician reimbursement cuts implemented at the same time, as well as structural changes to the program to make serving Medicare patients sustainable for rheumatologists in the long term.
Fight for Change: 2 ARP Members on Why Advocacy Is Important to Them
Two ARP members who currently serve on the ACR Government Affairs Committee discuss why & how they got involved in advocacy.
Complain Constructively: It’s Called Advocacy
It’s easy for rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals to feel frustrated by burdensome administrative tasks, complicated insurance policies and other healthcare hurdles. Advocacy offers a way to channel those complaints into constructive action, says Belinda Birnbaum, MD.
Help Your Legislators Understand the Ins & Outs of Patient Care
With an influx of new faces in the 118th Congress, Government Affairs Committee Chair Christina Downey, MD, notes that now is a great time to establish a relationship with your member of Congress and help them understand the day-to-day of what it takes to take care of patients.
Advocacy Involvement ‘An Antidote to Burnout,’ Says New Government Affairs Chair Christina Downey, MD
The new chair of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee, Dr. Downey says physicians play a vital role in helping policymakers understand how policies and laws affect patients and the practice of rheumatology.
Advocacy Highlights & Fall Treats: Reflections from the GAC Chair
Outgoing Government Affairs Committee Chair Blair Solow, MD, offers advocacy updates from 2022 and seasonal reflections on how to stay focused on efforts that matter when faced with daunting challenges.
What I Learned from My Year on the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee
As a fellow-in-training member of the ACR’s Government Affairs Committee, Kaitlyn Brittan, MD, found a sense of personal satisfaction and empowerment by having a voice through advocacy.
Inspired by Healthcare Disparities to Advocate for Change
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.