In these challenging times, we know you have questions about what ACEP is doing to tackle the biggest issues: ED boarding, workforce concerns, consolidation, and scope of practice. That’s why ACEP hosted an Open Forum on June 15 to share what the College is doing to protect and support emergency physicians—and to listen to your concerns. To make sure you’re up to speed on the latest developments, we are providing you all the facts. From our humble beginnings to today, ACEP’s mission has not veered. We use our hard-earned seat at the most influential tables to push for changes that protect you and your patients.

“ACEP is not a one topic, one issue organization,” said ACEP President-Elect, Aisha T. Terry, MD, MPH, FACEP. “We cover the breadth of all things related to emergency medicine—from issues that impact your ability to treat patients, to protecting your livelihood, to helping members achieve their career dreams. From day one to the end, we’re there for you.”

Federal Legislators and Regulators Invite ACEP to the Decision-Making Table

ACEP joined several emergency physician group representatives who participated in a listening session with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding consolidation of health care employers. However, ACEP was exclusively involved in important conversations leading up to the session and the dialogue between ACEP and the FTC is ongoing.

The FTC, and other regulatory agencies, look to ACEP as the united national voice for emergency physicians.

ACEP proudly sits as EM’s sole representative on the AMA’s RVS Update Committee (RUC), the highly influential group that makes recommendations to the federal government on how physicians are paid. This year alone, ACEP prevented proposed reductions in the relative value units (RVUs) assigned to the ED Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes. ACEP’s work prevented a $30 million loss for just Medicare patients treated with code 99284. This alone keeps around $800 in every emergency physician’s pocket—more than the cost of national ACEP annual dues!

ACEP Has Invested $1 Million to Push Back on Scope Creep at Federal and State Levels

ACEP has made it clear—there is no substitute for a licensed, trained, and board-certified emergency physician. ACEP launched a campaign to educate patients and policymakers about the importance of physician-led care teams. The campaign included a series of short, animated videos highlighting the value of emergency physicians and explaining in plain language how specialized training and education sets emergency physicians apart from others on the care team.