Eyeworld

EW NEWS & OPINION September 2015 19 Dr. Bakewell with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Dr. Cionni with Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) Dr. John with Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) Source: ASCRS significant positive changes that have come about due in part to our advocacy efforts. Two examples are the recent SGR repeal and the legis- lation that is now being introduced to delay implementation of Stage 3 Meaningful Use. Regardless, getting to know our legislators better and allowing them to get to know us bet- ter can only help our cause. Partici- pating in the Fly-In has "opened my eyes" to the importance of getting involved and staying involved. Tammy Griffin, Sterrett, Ala., ASOA member Dr. Bakewell: Tammy, you are also a first-timer. What do you think the most important thing you learned was and how might it impact your practice going forward? Were you able to share with the representa- tives and senators how Meaningful Use was affecting your practice? Ms. Griffin: During the Fly-In, I was able to share with our representa- tives and senators how Meaningful Use not only affects our practice but also our patients. The key takeaway for me was that our representatives and senators are actually approach- able and willing to listen. After having the opportunity to meet with them and discuss these issues, I will be more proactive in contacting their offices regarding future issues that affect our practice and patients. Robert Cionni, MD, Salt Lake City, ASCRS president Dr. Bakewell: You've been to the Fly-In now a few times. Have you seen an impact from that advocacy? Have your experiences in Washing- ton affected your outlook on poli- cies impacting ophthalmology and how we might influence them? Dr. Cionni: Advocacy results can often be difficult to measure. Yet in the last 2 years we have seen Thomas John, MD, Tinley Park, Ill. Dr. Bakewell: Describe one of the meetings you had with your law- makers. What did you discuss? What was his or her reaction to our request to delay Stage 3 of Meaningful Use? Dr. John: My first Alliance of Specialty Medicine Fly-in repre- senting ASCRS was a very positive experience. I was pleased to learn the current issues that are on the table impact physicians across all specialty platforms, and the op- portunity to interact and listen to various Congressmen present their perspectives during the Alliance of Specialty Medicine conference was highly enriching. I was able to pres- ent some of our concerns including the imminent need to delay Stage 3 of Meaningful Use to Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), and I was pleased to see his willingness to consider our requests and his interest in what issues face the medical specialties. This direct channel of exchange be- tween Congressmen and physicians paves the way to possible resolution of some of the more important is- sues that would help physicians and our patients. EW

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