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ASDS/A 2020 Annual Report
More than 500 ASDSA members (an all-time high response rate for a single engagement) answered ASDSA’s calls to action to contact their Members of Congress to waive budget neutrality requirements regarding the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The fee schedule, as published, would have drastically cut Medicare reimbursement to dermatologic surgeons. GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES
Due in part to the diligent advocacy of ASDSA members, the budget neutrality agreement was waived; sequestration cuts were delayed; surprise billing was addressed; and additional money was injected into the Provider Relief Fund and the Paycheck Protection Program—two programs that benefit ASDSA members.
ASDSA rebranded and enhanced the State-based Advocacy Network for Dermatologic Surgery (SANDS) to Advocacy Ambassadors in 2020 with the goal to maximize ASDSA’s state-by-state volunteers and the constituent-based advocacy approach in targeted areas for federal and states issues. This new effort also asks members to enhance their social media presence around advocacy activities. ADVOCACY AMBASSADORS (formerly known as SANDS)
As of the close of 2020, we have 109 Advocacy Ambassadors (both fellows and residents).
ASDSA traditionally hosts a way for members to meet virtually with their Congressional representative and Senators when they are home in members’ districts to let them know what matters to dermatologic surgeons and their patients. The sixth annual Federal Fly-in was held in April, and it took on increased importance during COVID-19. • 56 ASDSA members participated, with a total of 168 emails sent to legislators. Participation among ASDSA members doubled from 2019. • Member messages focused on surprise billing; the need for insurance companies to keep up-to-date provider directories; and how COVID-19 affected physician practices and the need for physicians to be included in economic stimulus packages related to the pandemic. ANNUAL FEDERAL VIRTUAL FLY-IN
ASDSA member Terry Cronin, Jr., MD, during the 2020 Federal Virtual Fly-in.
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