Welcome to the ACP Advocate,

This week's first Advocate article explores the ACA-repeal situation and just where ACP stands. The situation is fluid, as the article points out, and we'll continue to update you.  What you can be sure of is that even as the the White House and the Republican leadership of Congress waver and wobble over the fate of the ACA, the message of ACP remains steady and consistent: Repair the American health care system, but do no harm and put patients first.

Our other article notes that ACP played a significant role at the American Medical Association's annual meeting this summer, updating members on its advocacy and successfully pushing for its positions on Medicaid spending and maintenance of certification.

Among the nation's physician organizations, only the AMA is larger than ACP, and the two organizations work together closely to promote the interests of physicians and patients, although their priorities sometimes diverge.

Look for the next issue of the Advocate to be distributed on August 18, when we'll provide an update on the latest in the ACA-repeal effort.  With the Senate scheduled to go out on its summer break on August 11, we plan to be comprehensive in our report.

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

• MIPS and APM payment tracks;
• the 'pick your pace' program;
• and links to helpful resources, including ACP's Quality Payment Advisor.