Advocacy in Action
New ACP Toolkit Empowers Members to Lobby for Prior Authorization Reform
Members can use the toolkit to learn about the policy landscape and take action to help advocate for reform at the state and federal levels.
ACP Policy News
ACP Performance Measurement Committee Makes Recommendations on Performance Measures for Osteoporosis
Using newly developed algorithm, the committee identified a gap in measuring early treatment, suggests changes to improve osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
Congressional News and Perspective
ACP Provides Input to Address Disparities in Rural and Underserved Communities
In comments to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, ACP highlights legislation that will improve payment system, address physician work shortages.
Quick Hits
Celebrate Internal Medicine Day on October 28th
Join ACP in celebrating Internal Medicine Day on Saturday, October 28 in recognition of the essential role of internal medicine physicians around the world.
As internal medicine physicians, we are experts in complexity who serve and lead in many diverse roles and settings. We're critical thinkers who excel in the most challenging and dynamic environments and provide compassionate care for our patients throughout their health care journey. We are the cornerstone of clinical care—vital to patients, medical professionals, and the health care system.
Join us and show your pride in internal medicine:
- On social media - share or customize ACP's social media posts. Use the hashtags #InternalMedicineDay, #IMProud, and #IMPhysician. Recognize a colleague, thank a mentor, or tell your story.
- Use the I.M. Physician Toolkit for downloadable posters, email signatures, slide presentations, and more, plus an opportunity to tell us why you love being an internal medicine physician.
- Mark your calendar for a #IMDayChat X (formerly known as Twitter) chat on Thursday, October 26 at 8 p.m. ET, co-hosted by ACP's Council of Early Career Physicians, Council of Resident/Fellow Members, and Council of Student Members.
Learn more about how ACP is celebrating the leadership and impact of Internal Medicine Physicians.
Watch for Survey to Capture Changes in Physician Practice Expense
Watch your email for a new survey from the American Medical Association (AMA). The survey seeks to collect representative data on physician practice expenses to better understand the costs faced by today's physician practices and to support physician payment reform. Your survey response can help impact the future of physician payment.
The Medicare physician payment schedule, maintained by CMS and used by many other payers, relies on 2006 cost information to develop practice expense relative values, the Medicare Economic Index, and resulting physician payments. As the U.S. economy and health care system have undergone substantial changes since that time, including inflation and the wide-spread adoption of electronic health records and other information technology systems, practice expense payments no longer accurately reflect the resources that are typically required to provide physician services. The input from physician practices and individual physicians that are randomly selected to participate in this study is critical to its success. Participation will ensure that practice expenses and patient care hours are accurately reflected.
Starting this week, the survey will be emailed to a select number of physician practices. The AMA has contracted with Mathematica, an independent research company, to conduct the survey. Watch your email inbox for the Physician Practice Information (PPI) survey email from ‘Mathematica.’
If you are selected for the survey and have any questions regarding your response, contact Sarah Crossan ACP's Associate for Regulatory Affairs at scrossan@acponline.org
In Case You Missed It
Announcing ACP Connect, a New Mobile Membership App
ACP's new member-exclusive app, ACP Connect, provides on-the-go access to the latest College news, information, tools and resources, and opportunities to communicate with colleagues.
Features include:
- Engaging with colleagues in topic-specific groups
- Searching and adding event listings to personal calendar
- Customizing a personal News Feed
Visit the ACP Connect app page for download instructions for Apple and Android users and to watch a brief video on how to use the app and its features.
Still Time to Apply to be an Intern in ACP's Washington Office
The 2024 ACP Health Policy Internship application cycle is now open through Oct. 31. The annual internship program provides an opportunity for ACP Resident/Fellow and Medical Students members to learn about the legislative process, health policy, and advocacy in organized medicine. Interns will assist with researching and analyzing current issues in health and medical education policy, on-going advocacy initiatives, and the development of advocacy materials. Interns will have the opportunity to attend congressional hearings, coalition meetings, and accompany government affairs staff to meetings and events with members of Congress. The internship lasts from April 29 to May 23, 2024, and pays a $4,000 stipend. Find additional information and application instructions on ACP's website.
Advocacy News From ACP
ACP Comment Letter Regarding the Requirements Related to Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Proposed Rule
ACP letter supporting access to mental health and substance use disorder services.
ACP Letter to Congressional Leaders urging for PAHPA Reauthorization
Letter to congressional leaders urging support for the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act reauthorization.
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