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. |
|
|
Welcome to The ACP Advocate,
It was great seeing so many of you last week here in Washington at our annual Leadership Day. Check this issue’s first story to find out just what happened and how we need even more help on ACP advocacy.
David Fleming, ACP’s president, summed things up as he welcomed attendees: "Being a good physician requires more than knowing differentials and treatments, It is also important to be an advocate for policies and practices that will influence the welfare of our patients and the health of our society."
Also at Leadership Day, Dr. William Fox was honored as this year's recipient of the Richard Neubauer Advocate for Internal Medicine Award. Each year, an ACP member who has made exceptional contributions to advance the College's public policy agenda is given the award.
See this issue’s second story to learn about Dr. Fox’s advocacy achievements.
Our final story this issue looks at the range in reactions to this year’s first quarter rise in health care spending. Most analysts are saying it’s no surprise that more insured people means more spending on medical services.
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 |
|
In focus
Proposed Changes to Meaningful Use
CMS and ONC recently issued a joint Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding changes in reporting requirements and an extension of the Stage 2 deadline, for Meaningful Use (MU). The proposed rule would allow providers to use the 2011 Edition certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for the electronic health record (EHR) reporting period in 2014 for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. The proposed rule would also extend the Stage 2 MU reporting period through 2016 and begin Stage 3 reporting in 2017. This rule is expected to be finalized in late summer/early fall of 2014.
|
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. |
|
|