Welcome back to Government Grand Rounds, a campaign aimed at expanding vascular surgeons’ understanding of—and comfort with—the SVS’ many advocacy tools. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the promotion of positive change and the advancement of our profession require more than just clinical expertise.
As highlighted throughout this campaign, advocacy plays a critical role in shaping the future of vascular surgery. By focusing on grassroots activations and leveraging the power of our collective voice, we can promote essential initiatives and drive impactful change.
The SVS is currently promoting five pivotal bills. By rallying behind these legislative initiatives, we can pave the way for transformative improvements in patient care and the landscape of vascular care. Together, we can use our power to promote and champion these crucial bills.
- H.R. 3674, the Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act: Legislation to increase the non-facility/office-based practice expense relative value units negatively impacted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ clinical labor policy for the next two years
- H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act: Legislation to provide annual inflationary updates, based on the Medicare Economic Index, for Medicare physician services, similar to updates received by other healthcare providers
- H.R. 1202/S. 704, the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act: Legislation to allow borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments without interest until the completion of their programs
- H.R. 2389/S. 1302, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act: Legislation to provide 14,000 new Medicare-supported graduate medical education positions over seven years
- H.R. 731/S. 220, the Workforce Mobility Act: Legislation to free physicians from non-competes (except in limited circumstances), providing them with an option to work for a competitor and/or more easily transition from one practice type to another
These opportunities serve as catalysts for change and empower vascular surgeons to actively promote their profession.
By leveraging these avenues, SVS members can play a pivotal role in shaping policies, driving awareness, and elevating the vascular specialty. To promote these bills, head to vascular.org/advocacy/grassroots-advocacy and send messages to specific lawmakers.
Interested in learning more? Staying informed is of paramount importance in the realm of advocacy, and the SVS’ DC Update newsletter serves as a vital resource for vascular surgeons who are passionate about driving change.
This monthly newsletter provides a comprehensive and timely overview of legislative developments, policy updates, and advocacy opportunities, empowering surgeons to stay at the forefront of the advocacy landscape.
Members who have not received the DC Update newsletter because of preferences they have set in the communications database can send an email to [email protected] for help.
Andrew Kenney is a member of the SVS’ Washington, D.C. office.
