American College of Cardiology

Educational Sessions

Monday, Sept. 19
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.— Crafting a Meaningful Message
When traveling to Capitol Hill or to a state legislature, meeting with legislators is only one part of your job. Working with reporters is just as important. Reporters cover the hearings at which you testify and report on issues that matter to cardiology. Ensure cardiology’s perspective is included in the media by learning how to develop and deliver messages effectively. – Presented by Pat Clark, a communications specialist with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in media training, speech coaching and message development

9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.— Medicare 101: Policy & Process
Physicians face cuts to their Medicare reimbursement year after year. This year is no different. Learn about the history of Medicare physician payment, problems with the system and how to educate your lawmakers about the program and its problems and soloutions. – Presented by Rebecca Kelly, ACC Director of Regulatory Affairs

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.— Advanced Media Training (registration limited to 20 attendees)
Become more effective in interviews with the media or in public presentations. Understand how you can effectively manage your responses and your message in an interview. Learn tips and strategies for dealing with difficult questions and how to get your message across quickly and effectively. Each participant will have an opportunity to go on camera and receive critique and feedback. – Presented by Pat Clark, a communications specialist with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in media training, speech coaching and message development

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.— Behind Closed Doors: The Making of Medicare Policy
How do decisions really get made? What makes physician organizations relevant in the health care decision-making process? How can physicians increase their influence? Former health committee staffers who were instrumental in the development of major legislation, including the Medicare Modernization Act and the current Medicare physician payment formula, will share their perspectives during a panel discussion. – Panel Participants: Alec Vachon, former Senate Finance Committee staff; John McManus, former Ways and Means Committee staff; Liz Fowler, former Finance Committee staff; Patrick Morrisey, former Energy and Commerce Committee staff

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.— Looking Ahead: Health Policy from the Administration’s Perspective
With the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit just months away and big regulatory changes underfoot for physicians, officials from the White House and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will talk about their agendas and the challenges they face when it comes to health policy change. – Presented by Lance Leggitt, Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Steve E. Phurrough, MD MPA Director, Coverage and Analysis Group Office of Clinical Standards and Quality Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.— The Quest for Imaging Quality
As medical imaging services increasingly become integrated into cardiovascular practice, how can the ACC and other organizations ensure patients are receiving appropriate care? Find out what the ACC is doing to guide physician practice in this emerging field and learn how Congress, regulatory agencies and private payers are tackling this complex issue. – Presented by ACC staff