Welcome to The ACP Advocate,
While for many of us this is the last weekend of the summer, others see it as being less than a month until ICD-10 becomes a necessary part of our lives.
Today’s first article is an anecdotal look at how several physicians have readied themselves for the new mandate that takes effect on Oct. 1. We’ve told you about the technicalities of ICD-10 in previous articles, and they can be found again here.
Our second article today reviews ACP’s advocacy efforts as the organization marks its 100th anniversary. As advocates for patient and physicians alike, the College shines a light on key issues and should make you proud to be a member! After all, since its inception in 1915, ACP has played a significant role in improving patient health and shaping public policy. In fact, one international publication recently referred to ACP as the “conscience” of medicine.
Our final article today will make you think about where you were 50 years ago, how both your personal and professional lives have changed and why. It will also make you think some about what’s to come, and how you’ll play a big part in it.
Think about the 50th anniversary this summer of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. They’ve prompted reflections from ACP on the effect the programs have had on the health care landscape and also on what lies ahead.
Until our Sept. 18 issue – which will feature a look at ACP’s new policy paper on telemedicine – and for more coverage of what's happening in Washington take a look at my award-winning blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty. You can also follow me on Twitter @BobDohertyACP.
As always, please send your feedback and suggestions on this newsletter to: TheACPAdvocate@acponline.org.
Yours truly,
Bob Doherty
Senior Vice President
Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
American College of Physicians |
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| In the news |
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For ICD-10 Conversion, It's 'Ready, Set, Go' Time
ACP members offer last-minute prep tips for Oct. 1 changeover
Ask Dr. William Fox for the ICD-9 code for hypertension or type 2 diabetes, and he won't hesitate.
"I know many of the codes we use frequently by heart so I can input them without thinking," said ... (read more)
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ACP Marks 100th Anniversary as 'Conscience' of Medicine
As advocates for patients and physicians alike, College shines a light on key issues
Since its inception in 1915, the American College of Physicians has played a significant role in improving patient health and shaping public policy -- but in many ways, the College is just getting started.<... (read more)
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ACP Reflects on a Half-Century of Medicare and Medicaid
Patients and physicians alike have seen benefits, officials say, but challenges remain going forward
The 50th anniversary this summer of the Medicare and Medicaid programs have prompted reflections from the American College of Physicians not only on the effect the programs have had on the health care lands... (read more)
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| About this newsletter |
| The ACP Advocate is an e-newsletter, edited by the College's Washington, DC governmental affairs division, created to provide you, our members, with succinct news about public policy issues affecting internal medicine and patient care. To learn more about ACP's Advocacy and to access the ACP Advocate archives, go to www.acponline.org/advocacy. |
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| In focus |
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ACP Speaks Out on Immigration Debate |
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Given recent debate on the issue, ACP called on physicians to speak out against proposals for mass deportation. In a 2011 paper on Immigration Policy and Access to Health Care, ACP cited the severe health consequences to millions of individuals in the case of mass deportation. ACP President Dr. Wayne J. Riley stated that 'Physicians and other health professionals must remind politicians and policymakers that deporting millions of vulnerable people would have adverse health care consequences, not only for the people directly affected and their families, but also, for their local communities and for the United States as whole.' |
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Apply now for the 2016 ACP Health Policy Internship |
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ACP is now accepting applications for the 2016 Health Policy Internship for Residents/Fellows and Medical Student Members in Washington. This internship presents a unique opportunity for one Resident/Fellow Member and one Medical Student Member to attend ACP’s annual Leadership Day and develop legislative knowledge and advocacy skills through working directly with the College’s Washington office staff. Applications for the 2016 internship will be accepted through Oct. 30 and the internship will begin on May 2. |
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