What will the dues increase support? We must maintain our leadership position in quality care. The dues increase supports Guideline development, performance measurement, data collection through registries, adoption of electronic health record technology and educational programs and products. What is the dues increase based on? The dues increase is based on inflationary factors, as well as increased costs of doing business in the Washington, D.C. area and the sharp growth in operating costs for JACC. What is the ACC doing to address increased costs? Rest assured that the College is working in an efficient fashion. In 2008 alone, we identified $3 million in operating budget efficiencies. Ultimately, however, we need additional resources to help us complete critical tasks over time. How do ACC dues compare with other medical societies' dues? ACC dues remain consistent with the dues assessed by other major medical professional societies. How will the $50 mandatory Health System Reform Assessment (HSRA) be used? The $50 assessment will provide much-needed resources to enhance and promote the College's continued efforts to set a new standard for health care reform. Specifically, the funding will ensure the ACC has the staff and resources necessary to meaningfully address health care reform and related issues like Medicare reform; health IT adoption; regulatory changes; and patient access to affordable and appropriate health care. As experts in cardiovascular medicine, we have a responsibility to make our voices heard as policymakers debate health care reform. The goal of the HSRA is to ensure that our collective voices are heard loud and clear. Why are Chapter dues now mandatory? Given the invaluable roles Chapters the ACC Board of Trustees recently approved the implementation of mandatory Chapter dues for active physician members. The goal: to provide Chapters with the resources necessary to develop innovative education and advocacy programs and offer increased professional opportunities for members. Today's major challenge for Chapters is to remain fiscally viable despite a political and economic climate that is making health care funding both increasingly difficult to secure and/or narrowly limited in scope. Other similarly situated medical associations, such as the American College of Physicians, have seen an increase in Chapter membership and a greater sense of involvement from their members as a result of mandatory dues. Enabling a baseline membership experience is extremely important to energizing grassroots Chapter work. What benefits will I get from Chapter membership? Chapter membership provides critical education, quality and advocacy opportunities for all members at the local and regional level. The ACC's 48 Chapters also play key roles when it comes to networking, leadership development and mentoring. They also allow members to work together to address critical issues facing the cardiovascular community. For more information visit www.acc.org/chapters/. Why do I have to pay mandatory Chapter dues, if I'm not involved with my Chapter and/or my Chapter doesn't offer what I need? Strong Chapters mean a strong ACC. As College membership has increased, so has the need for a forum at the state level to discuss legislative, regulatory and socioeconomic issues. ACC Chapters have evolved from that need, and we currently have 48 Chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These Chapters play a critical role as the grassroots voice of the cardiovascular community. They are also often the first line of defense on issues like in-office medical imaging and/or performance measurement. Often regulations, laws or payer programs are tested and/or implemented at the state level first. Mandatory Chapter dues are a critical component to making Chapters stronger and ensuring they have the resources and tools necessary to address these issues as they arise. Whether you are involved directly with your Chapter or not, they are working every day to champion cardiovascular-related issues that affect both your patients and your practice. On an individual level, the College strongly encourages you to get involved with your local Chapter and to take advantage of the education, quality and advocacy opportunities they offer. Your participation and feedback will go a long way towards ensuring your needs are identified and met. In addition. Chapters offer tremendous leadership and networking opportunities that you can't get anywhere eke. My institute pays my dues and they will not pay Chapter dues and/or the HSRA. Payment of both Chapter dues and the HSRA are mandatory to be considered a full, dues-paying member of the American College of Cardiology. Failure to pay Chapter dues and the HSRA will result in your membership not being renewed. This will not only affect your FACC designation, but your JACC subscription and any discounts to the ACC Annual Scientific Session and other educational programs as well. Are there changes in CCA dues? Chapter rates for CCAs are again included in the annual dues statement for the second year in a row. The ACC is committed to supporting and serving the cardiac care team. ACC maintains its low $100 dues rates as part of its continued commitment to cardiac care colleagues. Participation in local Chanters is just as important for CCAs as for physician members — Chapters reinforce local identification, networks and mutual support. You are strongly encouraged to join your local Chapter and forward your Chapter dues along with your member dues payment. Are there changes in FIT dues? As the future leaders of cardiovascular medicine, FITs receive free Chapter membership. ACC Chapters provide key education, quality and advocacy opportunities for the local cardiovascular community. Chapters also offer unique leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities that can help you as you move forward in your career. For more information, visit www.acc.org/chapters/.