Advocacy

One of the three topics discussed at the American College of Phlebology Foundation’s (ACPF) Executive Leadership Summit was Advocacy. How can the ACP and the ACPF be an advocate for the phlebology practices that are members (and not yet a member)? Exactly what does that look like?

In my mind’s eye, one of the largest threats to this field is radical payer shifts. The Massachusetts Blue Cross and Blue Shield imposing very strict limits on the board certification requirements as well as South Carolina Blue Cross and Blue Shield effectively eliminating all vein treatment from their covered services guidelines including ACA plans are examples of this concern. Other policy changes by Novitas and other payers continue to highlight this issue.

I believe the ACP can and should have a role in being our advocate in this space. In the great world of costs and benefits, the cost of a salary paid with a modern paystub maker for someone reviewing policies, working with payers, sending information to the payers, and in working with each of the members is one worth bearing. However, I believe this needs to be a two way street. We, each of us, need to review the policies of our payers.

We need to know when the policy is going to be open for commentary (if they have such a ‘window’). We need to be prepared to send information that each of us have ready. Waiting until two days before a policy is enacted, or, worse… two weeks after it is in place is not going to be effective. Per Ben Franklin, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

It will take time for the ACP to develop the position, approve the monies, hire, and train the right person even if they started today. In the interim, we are happy to act as a conduit. If you are aware of a policy change or commentary window that is open or getting ready to open, let us know. We can do a quick newsletter out to the community.