We’re excited to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to attend the 22nd Annual Herrick lecture scheduled for September 25. Alice K. Jacobs, M.D., F.A.C.C., will be our guest speaker addressing The Challenge to Develop Systems of Care for STEMI Patients. Click here for the invitation with registration details. Please also help us circulate this wonderful educational and networking opportunity to other interested individuals and groups.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Heather Gavras at heather.gavras@heart.org or Curvine Summers at curvine.summers@heart.org.

The Herrick lecture supports the IL-ACC STEMI initiative. Anyone involved in the delivery of STEMI care is encouraged to attend.

ISMS has sent information to all members regarding BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois’ (BCBSI) announced changes to its Mutual Participation Provider Agreement, PPO Plus, and Blue Choice provider contracts.
 
ISMS and the American Medical Association (AMA) worked together closely to hold BCBSI accountable to a settlement agreement that, ironically, originated from a class action lawsuit about health insurers’ abusive contracting practices.
 
BCBSI had announced its non-negotiable changes in a letter informing physicians that they had 30 days to accept the changes or terminate their contracts. It appears that BCBSI sent the letter on a rotating basis as some members report they have not received anything.
 
The ISMS communiqué details which BCBSI amendments were mandated by the settlement agreement and which were not.
 
Also included are letters from ISMS Chair Peter E. Eupierre, MD, and the AMA. As a signatory to the settlement agreement, the AMA has analyzed the BCBSI letter and identified several potential violations. The AMA, which was instrumental in negotiating the settlement with Blues plans nationwide, has already apprised BCBSI of its concerns. 
 
Remember: Materials sent to members from ISMS are not intended to serve as legal advice. Physicians should consult with their legal counsel if they participate in BCBSI's PPO contracts or if they think they may otherwise be affected.

Watch for future updates at ISMS Online. Questions? Contact Member Advocacy at 800-782-4767 ext. 1470; or by e-mail.

Don’t miss these non-partisan educational forums sponsored by ISMS, highlighting the U.S. presidential candidates’ stands on health care. 

Springfield – Oct. 11 
Presenting Sen. McCain’s plan will be State Rep. Dan Brady; presenting Sen. Obama’s plan will be State Sen. David Koehler.
 
RSVP by Oct. 1 to Isabel Manker at 217-525-0765; or by e-mail. 
 
Chicago – Oct. 16 
Presenting Sen. McCain’s plan will be State Rep. Jim Durkin; presenting Sen. Obama’s plan will be Stephen L. Ondra, M.D. 
 
RSVP by Oct. 1 to Karen Clement at 800-782-4767 ext. 2423; or e-mail. 

The event is open to all Illinois physicians, residents and medical students. No cost for members; $25 for nonmembers. RSVP today!

Strong Chapters Equal Strong ACC
By Jane Schauer, M.D., F.A.C.C., Chair of the Board of Governors

While the American College of Cardiology (ACC) works hard and effectively to provide education, quality initiatives and advocacy for all its members, to paraphrase a famous line from former Speaker of the House "Tip" O'Neill, Jr., "All health care is local."

There are many reasons that ACC has endorsed mandatory Chapter dues. Rising economic costs threaten to undermine our Chapter system. Also problematic, some National ACC members might not recognize they have a Chapter and lose the opportunity to participate in the local community. Now is the time to strengthen cardiology through progress with advocacy and quality, now is the time to engage our members and help them with their education. The College will have better member retention, and engagement, if our shared members are active at both the national and local levels.

There are 45 Chapters covering 47 states plus Puerto Rico. These Chapters provide critical local education, quality and advocacy opportunities and play a key role when it comes to networking, leadership building and mentoring. Given the invaluable roles all Chapters play, the ACC Board of Trustees approved the implementation of mandatory Chapter dues for active physician members. The goal is to provide Chapters with the resources necessary to develop innovative education and advocacy programs and enhance the benefits of Chapter membership.

One of the major challenges for Chapters today is to remain fiscally viable despite a political and economic climate that is making health care funding increasingly difficult to secure and/or narrowly limited in scope. Other similarly situated medical associations, such as the American College of Physicians, implemented mandatory dues and have seen an increase in Chapter membership and a greater sense of involvement from their members as a result. Enabling a baseline membership experience is extremely important to energizing grassroots Chapter work. Without mandatory Chapter dues, we run the risk of limiting the education, advocacy and quality improvement programs that are necessary to ensuring the highest quality care for patients. We also run the risk of disengagement by members.

It is our hope that mandatory dues will lead to greater involvement and ownership in the great work that Chapters are already doing. The practice of cardiovascular medicine is increasingly affected by legislators and regulators at the state and national levels. Member involvement at every level is crucial for success, and Chapters are key to involvement at the local level.

For a list of answers to frequently asked questions regarding mandatory chapter dues, click HERE.

Please join us and our distinguished faculty for the Inaugural Illinois Chapter ACC Cardiac Care Associate Symposium, taking place Oct. 25, 2008, at the Lindner Conference Center in Lombard, Illinois.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the United States. It is reported that more than 81 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease and more than 870,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each year. As more research is completed, our knowledge of the cardiovascular system and its interactions with various other organ systems continues to evolve. As the overall care of the patient with cardiovascular disease becomes increasingly complex, it is imperative that the cardiovascular professional remain current in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

The symposium faculty will provide up-to-date presentations that will translate cutting-edge science into practical knowledge that can be incorporated into everyday practice to help manage our patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. Topics include: heart failure and sleep apnea, chronic venous insufficiency, metabolic syndrome, use of cardiac biomarkers, use of coronary CT angiography as a diagnostic tool and atrial fibrillation ablation therapy.

Download Registration Brochure HERE

Best regards,

Diane Wallis, M.D., FACC
Governor, Illinois Chapter of the ACC