It’s hard to believe we are nearing the mid-point of 2024. Like you, ACA has been busy. We have been working on your behalf and for the benefit of our patients.
With so much going on since my last report, I wanted to check in again and share updates on key ACA initiatives.
Medicare Bill Cosponsors Surpass 160
First off, I want to thank the delegates and members who participated in lobby day back in January during Engage 2024. When we meet with legislators to share our stories and evidence of chiropractic’s cost savings and effectiveness, it pays dividends in the form of more congressional support for the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (H.R. 1610/S. 799). At last count, we have more than 160 cosponsors of the bill – that’s more than it has ever had in its entire history. If you haven’t already, follow up with your member(s) of Congress and ask them to support this legislation (and especially if they are not currently a cosponsor). Since January, a new systemic review was released that provides more evidence of the cost savings that early chiropractic treatment creates for spinal pain patients. Share this and other research with your representatives. John Falardeau, ACA vice president of public policy and advocacy, offered an example of one follow-up email that an ACA member uses, and that you can use as a template for your own.
ACA Board Meeting: Mapping Project and More
As I write this, I’m gearing up for the next ACA Board meeting in Iowa. Thanks to our host and longtime supporter, NCMIC, which is offering us meeting space at its headquarters. Discussion items at the board meeting will include a review of the final report from the ACA Mapping Task Force. This group was charged with making recommendations on where ACA could work toward having doctors of chiropractic installed in positions of leadership or in an advisory capacity, ensuring the chiropractic profession is included in key discussions and decisions. In the past year, ACA has had three members appointed to three separate advisory councils of the National Quality Forum, we have joined the National Association of Community Health Centers, and I was honored to be appointed to the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Editorial Panel. Our Mapping project gives us guidance for future opportunities like these. Moreover, to prepare more members for advisory positions or leadership, ACA launched its new Health Policy Fellowship in 2023. The first cohort (2024-25) is getting valuable exposure this year to issues surrounding health policy and coding. While together, the ACA Board also plans to have a discussion on bylaw amendments, get an update from the Residency Accreditation Task Force, and have a discussion on the ACA Strategic Plan.
Strategic Plan Coming Together
Speaking of the Strategic Plan, it is coming together. Over the past several months, the Board has been reviewing surveys, environmental scans and all the recommendations and comments made by House of Delegates members during the annual meeting. Our most recent Strategic Plan was very robust, and so the new plan will continue to focus on the key areas we’ve been targeting since 2020 and refine our efforts further, building on the progress we have made.
CPI Survey: Are You One of the 333?
Lastly, it is confirmed that the Clinician Practice Information (CPI) Survey has been fielded, which means that invitations have gone out to 333 random doctors of chiropractic. ACA doesn’t even know who is getting them. But, by now, YOU know if you are one of them. How? You would have received an invitation by email and a letter in the mail. ACA has been working closely with our stakeholders and Mathematica to get the word out to encourage participation. It may take a little of your time but let me assure you it will be worth it. The results will give policymakers and regulators a much clearer picture of what it costs to practice health care today. Things such as electronic health records were not widely in use in 2006, which was the last time the survey was conducted. Providers have new challenges and financial demands. The CPI survey will help document and measure those changes, providing support for payment advocacy. So, if you are one of the 333, please complete the survey before the deadline in June. ACA is here to help if you have any questions. Reach out to [email protected] or read this helpful Q&A on the ACA Blog.
These are exciting times, and there is progress being made on many fronts. In the meantime, ACA leaders, volunteers and staff will continue to do the hard work that makes that progress possible. Many thanks to them — and to all ACA members, thank you for your ongoing support.
Dr. Bronston is president of the American Chiropractic Association.
