MMA Viewpoint
A Season for Action
Gazing out the window pondering this month’s column, I saw the sun was shining and the grass was green. But the temperature on the thermometer suggested Centigrade instead of Fahrenheit. It begged the question of whether summer would ever come.
There is nothing an individual can do to bring on a new season, but when it comes to health care reform and legislation, individuals can make a difference. And it’s always the right season for physicians to make their voice heard on health care issues.
The primary topic at the federal level is the Medicare nonsustainable growth rate formula. Every year, we fight payment cuts that result from a formula that does not accurately reflect practice cost increases. It is imperative that you have a dialogue with your legislators about the importance of replacing it with a better system. The AMA and MMA have resources to help you work with your congressional representatives and can provide talking points to help you convey our position succinctly. I also encourage you to meet your state legislators and offer to be a resource for them. If they know you and have a way to reach you, you may become an important go-to person when they are studying proposed legislation. Although they may not initially vote our way, if they call you for your thoughts, you can start to influence their thinking.
In addition to getting to know your local lawmakers, you can talk about the importance of MMA advocacy with your partners and colleagues. If they are not MMA members, ask them why and invite them to get involved. The single best way to recruit a new member is to ask them to join.
Another way to make a difference is to attend the MMA Annual Meeting in September. There are always empty chairs in the House of Delegates, and one of them could have your name on it. The House of Delegates is the policy-making body for our organization, and being a delegate is an excellent way to get your feet wet. You will learn much about the process. You’ll be right in the mix while decisions are being made and have an opportunity to state your positions or concerns.
If you can’t attend in person, visit the Annual Meeting section of the MMA website and post comments on the resolutions. Your ideas will be forwarded to the appropriate reference committee. As an MMA member, you can help shape policy.
If you have a more focused interest, please look at the MMA committees and volunteer to serve on one. The research and recommendations these groups provide are invaluable to the House of Delegates and Board of Trustees as they deliberate.
Because this is an election year, it is especially important that the voice of physicians be heard. Physicians need to be players in the game of politics and accessible to legislators and other decision-makers. The MMA staff can help you get involved.
Have a great summer, but find a way to act on the issues that matter to you as a physician. And plan on attending the MMA Annual Meeting in St. Paul this fall and getting into the political fray.