On May 20, ACR representatives held more than 100 video meetings with Congressional leaders about the need to reform step therapy and alleviate pediatric workforce shortages. You can still add your voice by asking your members of Congress to support the Safe Step Act and fund the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program.
Sequestration, workforce issues and step therapy reform are just some of the areas in which the ACR’s activities, via the Government Affairs Committee and member action, have made a positive difference for rheumatology practitioners.
Volunteer leaders who are community rheumatologists share their thoughts about the professional and personal benefits of serving on ACR committees and encourage others to get involved.
As a member of the ACR Government Affairs Committee, Mohammad Kamran, MD, has embraced virtual advocacy as a way to make a difference for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Frustrated with policies he viewed as obstacles to optimal patient care, Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS, tried advocacy as a way to turn those feelings into positive action—an eye-opening and rewarding experience he strongly recommends.
When it comes to advocating for rheumatology, it’s never too early or late in your career to begin, and no effort is too small to have an impact, says Dr. Ziglar, a private practitioner and member of the Government Affairs Committee.
As a new year begins, Government Affairs Committee Chair Blair Solow, MD, takes stock of ACR advocacy wins in 2020 and issues to watch in 2021, including workforce issues, continued telemedicine access, prior authorization relief, Medicare reimbursement and drug pricing.
Although the COVID-19 outbreak has shifted the focus and approach of advocacy efforts, ACR staff and the Government Affairs Committee continue to work on behalf of rheumatology providers and patients.
When insurance company practices put patients at risk, advocacy is an important tool physicians can use to make a real difference. You can make a difference.
Current legislation that stipulates a loan repayment program for pediatric subspecialists could help the pediatric rheumatology community attract trainees and meet patient demand.