Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Articles tagged with "Legislation"

SCHIP Legislation a Priority

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There are approximately 9 million uninsured children in the United States, and the number is increasing. Of those 9 million, 6 million are eligible for – but not enrolled in – the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) or Medicaid.

Stop the Steep Imaging Cuts of 2005

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DXA reimbursement will be cut 75% by 2010 if Congress does not act now. Reimbursement for imaging studies such as DXA has been reduced to the Hospital Outpatient Perspective Payment System (HOPPS) rate, based on a Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) provision. This reduction not only negatively affects rheumatologists who perform imaging studies in their offices, but will also affect access to care and increase costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Top 11 Ways You Can Advocate

Neal S. Birnbaum, MD  |  

Many of the specialty’s challenges and goals hinge on your participation

ACR Board Lobbies Congress

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ACR Board of Directors members recently spent time in Washington, D.C., discussing rheumatology-related issues with members of Congress, including Sen. Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy (D-Mass.). The senior senator from Massachusetts is the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which oversees health legislation that affects rheumatologists.

Keep ACR at the Table

Neal S. Birnbaum, MD  |  

Without your help, ACR will lose its clout at the AMA

Legislative Priorities in 2007

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In 2007, the ACR Government Affairs Committee will focus on correcting the Medicare reimbursement formula, countering increased cuts to diagnostic imaging, and the enactment of the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act. Increasing advocacy among ACR members will also be a top priority.

ACR Legislative Reception

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The ACR Government Affairs Committee and ARHP Advocacy Subcommittee met in Washington, DC, on September 26 to discuss current legislative priorities and to participate in their annual legislative reception on Capitol Hill. Committee members and staff exchanged ideas on ways to increase advocacy and political involvement from ACR/ ARHP members. Increasing advocacy is a primary focus for the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and Advocacy Subcommittee because it is essential that Congress be aware of the magnitude of our concerns.