As we begin 2011, I want to share with you the overview of the Ohio-ACC initiatives this past year.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Dr. Christopher Cooper on his election as our next governor of the Chapter and Mrs. Anna Broz on her election as our next Cardiac Care Associate Liaison. They will each serve in an "elect" capacity beginning March 2011 and will officially assume their offices in March 2012. I would also like to express my appreciation to Dr. Joseph Pietrolungo for his willingness to participate in the election, and I encourage all of our members to continue their involvement and participation in the Chapter like these outstanding individuals.
Advocacy
The Ohio Chapter organized a state legislative day in Columbus on April 27, 2010. Chapter members joined other Ohio physicians in fundraising events for two Supreme Court justices who pledged to uphold the current tort reform laws. The ACC Legislative Conference in Washington was well attended by Ohio Chapter members, CCAs, FITs, and practice managers. Ohio-ACC offered 6 travel stipends to its members. The legislative climate in Ohio has been quiet except for unsuccessful attempts to overturn smoking bans and tort reforms.
Quality
The Ohio Chapter and the Ohio Thoracic and Cardiovascular Data Management Group held a hands-on skills workshop for the NCDR Cath-PCI Registry on May 14, 2010. This conference attracted 72 participants from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Tony Hermann, R.N., M.B.A., C.P.H.Q., Associate Director, Cath-PCI Registry, helped the participants gain understanding and confidence about data definitions and entry. Although the NCDR has many tools available on its web site to assist with the implementation and management of the registry, many inconsistencies on interpretation and application of criteria during the data abstraction process remain a challenge for coders. The workshop addressed these issues.
Education
The Ohio Chapter organized a "Spring Summit" dedicated to CCA education in Cleveland on April 21, 2010. This was followed by the Ohio-ACC's 47th Annual Carl J. Wiggers Memorial Lecture and Dinner attended by more than 100 chapter members.
Membership
A Practice Managers Council was incorporated into the Ohio-ACC Chapter. A "Practice Managers' Workshop" was held on October 16, 2010 during the Ohio ACC Annual Meeting. Topics included financial efficiency, corporate structure, tax reduction, benefit planning, health care system integration, employment models, Ohio legislation and regulations, and the evolving landscape of cardiovascular practices.
Chapter Activities
The Ohio-ACC 20th Annual Meeting was held in Columbus, Ohio on October 16, 2010. The meeting included FITs, CCAs, and practice managers. FIT research competition has been a standard component of the meeting. Prizes for the best posters and best oral presentation were awarded.
Chapter Development
The Board of Trustees remains engaged and enthusiastic. The chapter's educational activities are well-attended. Advocacy events and legislative days are becoming more popular with the uncertainties of reimbursement and health care reform.
Challenges
More than half of the cardiology practices in Ohio have integrated into large medical systems. Many cardiologists are age 55 or older and the possibilities of retirements loom in the face of declining reimbursement or over-regulation.
I welcome your involvement in 2011 and look forward to hearing from you. You can always reach me at hobbsr@ccf.org.
