'Tis the season for getting involved!
From the President
Dr. Olbricht served as Academy president from March 2018 to March 2019.
By Suzanne Olbricht, MD, October 1, 2018
It’s that time again. Election season! Every other commercial on the television is a campaign ad and the mailbox is stuffed with election flyers. Still have a landline? I bet you’ve been getting calls in the middle of dinner asking for support. After reading our feature article this month on how the 2018 election outcomes will affect dermatology’s most pressing issues, I hope you’ll be blocking off some time to vote on Nov. 6. I applaud everyone who takes the time to participate. Beyond placing a ballot in a box, however, there is a lot we can do as dermatologists to speak up for our patients year-round.
Over the summer, I traveled to Washington, D.C., and joined physicians, patients, patient advocates, dermatology nurses, and dermatology practice administrators at the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s annual Legislative Conference. In total, 183 people from 37 states attended the conference. We heard from policy insiders and we dug into several issues currently affecting the specialty and patients. On the last day, conference attendees traveled to Capitol Hill, participating in 229 congressional meetings 87 of which were meetings with a senator or representative.
Our list of asks’ was short but significant. We asked for a comprehensive solution to rising drug costs. Specifically, we asked our members of Congress to increase transparency on the part of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in setting drug prices. We also addressed the burdensome regulations that are affecting the practice of medicine, specifically by asking our members of Congress to consider legislation that would streamline prior authorization approvals in Medicare. Additionally, we asked for their help in promoting simplification and data sharing in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
I myself had seven meetings on the Hill. It was both exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. I truly feel we made an impact as we’ve received encouraging feedback after our visits regarding interest in the various issues we raised. This includes interest in legislation to increase PBM transparency and to streamline electronic prior authorizations in Medicare. Several members of Congress also expressed an interest in signing a letter to HHS to encourage streamlined reporting and data sharing in MIPS. All told, I came away from the conference feeling as if my efforts made a difference. More than that, I’ve also strengthened my relationship with my representative and two senators for future impact.
I understand that taking time away from patients is not always feasible. However, your Academy has you covered with a number of ways in which you can participate in advocacy. For those who couldn’t attend the Legislative Conference we offered a “Virtual Fly-In” where physicians could send letters to their members of Congress about our legislative asks. In addition to the virtual fly-in, the Academy will often issue grassroots alerts throughout the year when needed. I encourage you to watch for our prompts to get involved in grassroots advocacy efforts and follow through with your members of Congress. It’s quick and simple to send a letter through the AADA’s Advocacy Action Center.
Just like going to the polls, it doesn’t take much to get involved. However, every little effort helps when it comes to advocacy. Let’s not sit back and let others shape the future of health care. Our patients are counting on us to be involved.
