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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Welcome to The ACP Advocate
"It's disappointing and extremely frustrating, because this year was supposed to be different," is what I’ve said in today’s first article. We start today’s issue by letting you know all about the dynamics and implications of SGR. I was tempted to say that you’ll get insight into this year’s resolution, but ACP is not letting our efforts end with another patch and averting a 24 percent cut. We continue to seek permanent reform. Instead of my venting again here, check out the article and see what happened and what we’re planning next.
Our second story today brings you an update on the ACP Medicaid Expansion program’s phase two activities. ACP launched its first campaign to expand Medicaid in 2012, compiling a wealth of resources for members in each state, including reports on the various positive effects of expansion. "There's always more power in numbers because any one individual or one organization is not going to make it happen," says an ACP member and governor about the importance of urging state officials to expand Medicaid programs.
Finally, our last story examines how ACP is urging Congress to provide federal funding in the next fiscal year for five programs it considers key to maintaining patients' access to health care. "We expect that the funding levels for the programs we discuss in our statement will be very close to what they are in 2014," ACP’s staff appropriations analyst noted. Take a look at the priorities and what they might cost.
Until our next issue, 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 focus
Seeking Participation in an Exciting New Streamlined MGMA 2014 Cost Survey
ACP and Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) are working together to provide physicians an opportunity to participate in an exciting new streamlined MGMA 2014 Cost Survey. Your participation in this influential survey will make a difference to your ACP peers and the industry. Historically, internal medicine and small practices have been under-represented, and your participation can help to ensure that reliable benchmarks can be provided. The survey deadline is April 18. |
Become an Advocate for Internal Medicine
Join ACP’s Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (AIMn). You’ll find updates about the latest legislation affecting internists and be able to help contribute to ACP’s continued success on Capitol Hill. In addition, the program will provide you with legislative alerts designed to help you easily email or call your members of Congress to let them hear about the issues important to you and other internal medicine physicians. |
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