Legislative & Advocacy Activities
UCAOA's leadership and members of the Legislative and Regulatory Committee, have begun work on educating Congress and other key health care reform leaders on the urgent care industry, and the vital role we already play in the delivery of healthcare in America.
The initial goal of these activities is to ensure that urgent care has a "seat at the table". More specific goals will be determined by the membership, in collaboration with the Legislative Committee. Specific recommendations can be sent to the Legislative Committee Chair, Dr. Peter Lamelas.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009
Under the HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) provisions in ARRA, physicians and medical practices can qualify for $44,000 or more in incentives if they can demonstrate “meaningful use” of an electronic health record by 2011. Practices that do not implement an EHR by 2015 will be penalized with Medicare reimbursement cuts.
Distribution of incentives for the HITECH provision is being handled through the states. Visit your state government's website to learn the specific application processes.
Committee Activities to date and coming soon:
July 2009 - UCAOA President and Executive Director sent information to the President, members of Congress and other health care reform leaders introducing urgent care and sharing statistics on the industry. Click here to see the letter.
August 2009 - UCAOA members are encouraged to send a version of the July message to their state and local representatives during the August recess. Editable copies of the letter (.doc) and the information kit (.pdf) are available in Members Only.
October 2009 - The Legislative Committee surveys UCAOA members to clarify the issues and message from the industry. UCAOA President and Executive director send follow up letters to July/August mailing. Click here to see the lettter.
October/November 2009 - The Legislative Committee develops key issue resources for the industry for ongoing communication to Congress and other leaders. Includes Talking Points for member use.
June 2010 - UCAOA invites select urgent care leaders to join new Legislative Subcommittee to research and launch specific initiatives.
August 2010 - UCAOA commissions McDermott, Will & Emery (MWE) to study reimbursement enhancement options.
October 2010 - Legislative Subcommittee meets in Phoenix to chart initial projects based on MWE recommendations.
May 2011 - UCAOA Board reviews and refines Subcommittee projects and directions, expands role to begin with Advocacy rather than specific legislation.
June 2011 - UCAOA provides comments to CMS on proposed ACO regulations.
August 2011 - Talking Points updated, UCAOA Board attends Lobby School, Industry white paper issued (coming soon).
