ACC members hit Capitol Hill this week for the 2010 Legislative Conference. Nearly 300 cardiovascular professionals from across the country attended the three-day event, which culminated with face-to-face visits with members of Congress and/or their staff. This year's conference focused primarily on health reform implementation; continuing to educate Congress about the impact of the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cuts; and payment reform opportunities. Participants heard from congressional staffers about the
political climate on Capitol Hill, as well as from new CMS Administrator Donald Berwick on his "
triple aims" for the agency. In addition, ACC staff and leaders were on hand to discuss the results of ACC's
2010 Practice Census and to provide leadership and advocacy training. Read the complete coverage of the conference on the
ACC in Touch blog. You can also share your experiences via
CardioSource Communities. To view photos from the conference (and post your own), go to the
ACC in Touch Facebook page. Additional coverage will be included in the September/October issue of Cardiology and on the CVN video page in the coming days.
The Affordable Care Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a national strategy for healthcare quality. HHS is currently soliciting input for this plan. Your ACC will be responding, but individual members should consider weighing in as well. Visit the
HHS website to learn more.
Last chance! ACC members have until Sept. 21 to utilize the Managed Care Advisory Group (MCAG) to help meet the final Oct. 5 claims submission deadline for the UnitedHealth Group Settlement. Over $350 million is available as part of the settlement to any and all providers who submitted "non-network" claims to UnitedHealth Group between 1994 and 2010. This is the only opportunity for providers to obtain any retribution for lost revenue. The ACC has teamed up with MCAG help members in obtaining data, identifying eligible claims and submitting all necessary paperwork to the settlement administrator by the October deadline. It is important when contacting MCAG to let them know that you are an ACC and/or an AMA member to receive discounted rates. The MCAG phone number is 800-355-0466. For more information on MCAG,
click here.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings to health care professionals over the last several weeks. Get the latest information on the FDA's proposal to
withdraw Midodrine, as well as notifications regarding
gadolinium-based contrast agents and PTCA catheters. Your ACC will continue to follow these warnings and keep you updated on any changes.
Save these dates!
- Early bird registration is now open for ACC.11 and i2 Summit 2011, April 2-5 in New Orleans. New this year, ACC members can register for a full access passport that includes special full-access registration rates, early registration and hotel selection, VIP seating, access to the VIP member lounge and more. Register before Nov. 9 to receive these rates.
- Just announced! The next Evolving Models of CV Practice Symposium will take place Nov. 5-6 in Naples, Fla. For more information and to register, click on the "Meetings" section of CardioSource.org.
Questions/Comments contact ACC Advocate Editor Steve Erickson at advocate@acc.org.