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,
Our first article this issue is about how ACP is calling on state and federal officials to more tightly scrutinize the adequacy of provider networks in health plans sold through the insurance marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Despite the "adequacy" requirement, marketplace plans are a source of confusion for many physicians.
This issue's second article looks at how there soon will be a release of data on gifts and grants to physicians. Drug and device manufacturers now must report to the federal government nearly all gifts, grants, honoraria and other cash-value handouts to physicians and hospitals, under a provision of the ACA. Physicians are being urged to act now to ensure accuracy of information to be made public.
Our final story this issue looks at how ACP recently honored the administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration with its annual distinguished service award. Mary Wakefield was cited for her commitment to improving access to primary care 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 |
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In focus
Understand Your Payment Options When it comes to Electronic Funds Transfers
As of January 1, 2014, all Medicare physicians are required to accept Medicare payments in the form of an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Therefore, many health plans have moved from paper to electronic forms of payment. During this transition period it is important that physicians, as well as other health care providers, have an understanding of different methods of electronic payment and the financial risks associated with each.
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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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