Federal Advocacy
The MDACC, in conjunction with the 49 other ACC state chapters, monitors and works on cardiovascular issues on the federal level.  Throughout the year MDACC leaders and members work to bring Congress information about the issues below.  While meetings with lawmakers occur throughout the year, MDACC leaders attend the ACC Legislative Conference to specifically represent Maryland cardiovascular professional within the ACC and bring forth issues that are important to Maryland members.  At the end of the ACC conference, the entire Maryland ACC Delegation goes to the Capital Hill offices of the our elected officials.  MDACC members are encouraged to join the delegation by signing up to attend the conference at www.cardiosource.org or calling ACC at 800-253-4636.

FEDERAL ISSUES
  • Appropriate Use
    Appropriate use of imaging and procedures, such as stents, as been front and center in the media recently. The ACC is committed to working at both the state and federal level to ensure cardiovascular professionals are providing the most appropriate care to their patients.
     
  • Delivery System Reform
    The American College of Cardiology is committed to setting a new standard for health care delivery in a way that is centered on increasing the quality of care and ensuring greater patient value. With the passage of national health reform, the College is poised to help transform the system into one that puts patients first and rewards physicians for their commitment to quality and evidence-based care.
     
  • Food and Drug Administration
    The American College of Cardiology is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a number of fronts, including data collection, radiation safety, drug and device updates and more.
     
  • Health Information Technology
    ACC's health information technology (IT) efforts support the use and adoption of technology to promote quality in cardiovascular care. Learn more about selecting an EHR, as well as stay up to date on federal incentive programs related to e-prescribing and meaningful use of EHRs.
     
  • Imaging
    The ACC strongly supports the ability of specialty physicians, who have knowledge of specific organ systems and disease states, to provide access to imaging services for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that patients rely upon everyday. The College believes that imaging services could best be improved by the use of both accreditation and appropriate use criteria.
     
  • Physician Payment
    Current public and private payment systems do little to reward or facilitate quality or coordination of care. Provider payment systems must be redesigned with the patient’s interests in mind. They must reward patient value — high quality, cost-effective care. The ACC supports payment reforms for improved coordination of care, team-based care delivery, and the appropriate use of tests and procedures.
     
  • Prevention & Research
    As the organization representing the leaders in cardiovascular medicine, the ACC’s goals include disseminating information to members, legislators, regulators and the public to create more awareness of heart disease, its warning signs and how to prevent it. Also part of the ACC mission is to ensure the support of research efforts to combat heart disease and accelerate the application of cardiovascular science, knowledge and measurement into practice.