Eyeworld

SUMMER 2024 | EYEWORLD | 19 It's vitally important for ASCRS members to stay informed, to speak with their legislators, and to build relationships with them. Our mem- bers are our best advocates. ASCRS members at all levels of their careers are sometimes hesitant to participate in advocacy activities because they think they do not have an adequate enough understanding of healthcare policy to be effec- tive, so their efforts will not make a difference. However, personal stories and experiences in practice are often the most powerful motivators for legislative action. Remember, physicians are highly regarded in the community, not to men- tion that a physician's practice is an important small business and employer in the district. If there's an issue that might cause a local em- ployer to go out of business or lay off workers, you can bet that the legislator will be very interested to hear about it. Physicians and their administrators who must comply with federal regulations are best equipped to demonstrate the impacts of those policies and speak for the patients they ultimately affect. I want to stress that you don't have to travel all the way to Washington to make a difference. In fact, I would argue that it is more effective to meet with your legislators when they are back home in their legislative district or state. The legislator feels more at home there and is therefore more relaxed, less pressed for time, more open to discussion and new ideas, etc. In addition, a local visit is much easier for us as physicians—less time away from the office, less cost in terms of travel, etc. Inviting your legislator to visit your prac- tice is also a great way to let them know about your practice and your patients. It's incredibly compelling for a member to come to your office, meet the people you employ, and see how you go out of your way to provide compassionate care to your patients. That's a great way to build a relationship and amplify the efforts ASCRS makes in Washington. Given the extreme polarization in Washing- ton, it is fortunate for us that most of our issues are not so political or polarizing, and therefore, there is a lot we can influence. We work with both political parties to address our key issues such as reforming the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to provide an annual inflationary It's vitally important for ASCRS members to stay informed, to speak with their legislators, and to build relationships with them. Our members are our best advocates. — Parag Parekh, MD, MPA Contact Parekh: parag2020@gmail.com update for physician payments, modifying bud- get neutrality requirements under Medicare that result in payment reductions, working toward equity to 10- and 90-day global surgical codes, and addressing problems with prior authori- zation with both private payers and Medicare Advantage. To be involved effectively, physicians need to be informed. ASCRS provides you with several ways to stay informed and get involved. I encourage you to sign up to receive the Washington Watch Weekly, which highlights congressional and regulatory activities taking place in Washington. I encourage you to learn more about the ASCRS political action commit- tee, eyePAC, another vital tool ASCRS uses to reach key legislators who can influence health- care policy. We elect our friends to Congress. Two of our greatest friends are Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, and Rand Paul, MD, in the House and Senate, respectively. This is not about being conservative or liberal; it is about who helps us and our patients. If we have more friends in Congress, those elected officials can put pressure on CMS, on the FDA, and hold hearings on the issues you care about. The best place to start getting involved is by visiting the Advocacy page on the ASCRS web- site. Once there, you can learn about our key is- sues as well as contact your legislators through our grassroots portal. With your help, ASCRS will continue to fight for you, your patients, and the future of anterior segment surgery.

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