ACR on Capitol Hill
March 2, 2011
On March 15, the Executive Committee, and members of the Government Affairs Committee, RheumPAC committee and the Affiliated Society Council will converge on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress to discuss issues affecting the rheumatology profession and patient access to specialty care. Our message needs to be heard in every Congressional office, so we are asking all ACR and ARHP members to join the ACR's advocacy efforts and reach out to your members of Congress in March. Topics being discussed include:
- What is a rheumatologist?
- Continued funding for arthritis research
- Reinstatement of consultation codes
- Permanent fix to the SGR
- Adequate reimbursement for bone density scans
Educate Congress on the Value of Rheumatology
Most members of Congress, new or experienced, know little about the rheumatology subspecialty and the unique issues facing rheumatology professionals and patients. That is why it is critical that ACR and ARHP members educate elected officials on the importance of specialty care and the impact arthritis and rheumatic diseases have on one's quality of life. Review the What is a Rheumatologist issue brief and then reach out to your legislators.
Contacting Your Members of Congress is Easy
You can call your members of Congress using the AMA Grassroots Hotline: (800) 833-6354 or send an e-mail through the ACR Legislative Action Center at www.rheumatology.org/advocacy.
Need help crafting your message?
Visit the ACR Advocacy Toolkit or contact the .
