Why Orthopaedic Surgeons

Should Be Involved in

Political Advocacy

May 2016

Jeremy M. Burnham, M.D.

What is a PAC?

Political Action Committee (PAC): A popular term fora political committee organized for the purpose ofraising and spending money to elect and defeatcandidates. Most PACs represent business, labor orideological interests.

https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/pacfaq.php

Comparison of PACs

2.82.6

1.9

4.2 4.2

2.8

6.4 6.4

3.9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2012 2014 2016

PAC DONATIONS (In Millions)

AAOS AHA (HOSPITALS) AAJ (LAWYERS)

Why Does Fundraising Matter?

• In 93% of House of Representatives races, and 94% of Senate races, the candidate who spent the most money won

• Members of Congress dislike fundraising, but view it as a necessary evil

• An individual making a monetary donation and volunteering time will have more influence than 99.9% of constituents

http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/11/money-wins-white-house-and/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3706663/pdf/11999_2013_Article_2900.pdf

Popular Excuses

http://www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac/residentscript/

• We will never make a difference

• An individual making a monetary donation and volunteering time will have more influence than 99.9% of constituents

• Isn’t it enough to work hard, be a good surgeon, and take care of your patients?

• Increasingly the ability of surgeons to deliver quality care is shaped by political forces and the public’s perception of physicians

Reasons to Donate

• The AAOS PAC is the only national PAC representing orthopaedic interests to Congress

• Issues-based, non-partisan

• No one understands your practice and your patients’ needs better than you

• If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu…

Examples

• Lack of EHR usability

• ICD-10

• Meaningful use – mandatory electronic transmission of prescriptions

• Peer-to-peer reviews

• Increasing joint replacement documentation requirements and denials

• Work hour limits

What Physicians Have to Offer

• Credibility and expertise

• We understand the “front lines” of healthcare better than anyone else

• We are able to advocate for patients

Recent Victories

• Repealed SGR (every year physician reimbursement was slated for 20-30% cuts)

• Repealed Meaningful Use (EHR requirements that forced implementation of clunky and inefficient software)

• Texas Tort Reform. Prior to tort reform:

• 1 out of 4 physicians was sued at least once a year

• 85 percent of all medical malpractice claims failed but still cost more than $50,000 to defend.

• Innocent property owners were held 100 percent responsible for the actions of trespassing criminals.

Recent Victories – Texas Tort Reform

• Since Tort Reform was passed in Texas:

• The number of licensed physicians in the state has doubled

• A large health system (Christus Health) saved so much on liability costs that it increased its charity care by $100 million

• Malpractice premiums were cut in half in some cases

How to Donate

http://igfn.us/vf/PAC/Fundraiser414

• Text PAC12 to 71777

• Donate at the link below

• $10 donation