If you’ve been reading the Policy Update column in AGA eDigest, you know that we are in the middle of a fight on Medicare reimbursement, specifically the sustainable growth rate formula (SGR). Though the CMS final rule reduces physician Medicare payments, Congressional intervention could avert cuts. On a daily basis we’re meeting with Congressional offices to press for changes in the SGR formula to ensure fair and stable reimbursements for gastroenterologists. Help fight pay cuts by calling your Members of Congress. The AGA and the Alliance of Specialty Medicine have set up a toll-free line, 866-899-4088, that will connect you with your members. Learn more about this issue.

In addition to the fight on the SGR, the AGA has an active presence on Capitol Hill, working on your behalf by:

We are also creating a political action committee, AGA PAC, to give gastroenterology a greater voice on Capitol Hill in order to promote the right to fair reimbursement, increased research funding and appropriate clinical care for patients. You will hear more about AGA PAC in the New Year.

Planning for DDW 2006 in Los Angeles is in full swing. If you plan to submit an abstract for the meeting, be sure to do so before the Dec. 2 deadline. (Submit online at www.ddw.org). We have an impressive faculty lined up for this year's Spring Postgraduate Course, "Recognizing and Reducing Risk in GI Practice." I am happy to report that we are finalizing plans to provide simultaneous translation of the postgraduate course proceedings, clinical plenary and other AGA sessions at DDW into Spanish for our Spanish-speaking members and colleagues.

Illustrating the AGA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology, the AGA Governing Board recently completed a comprehensive review of the AGA Strategic Plan. We assessed our progress in achieving goals set out in the plan and updated the plan to reflect current priorities of the membership and trends facing the field. In amending the plan, we created a “core commitment” to the unique needs of women, minorities, PhDs and mid-level providers. The Dec/Jan issue of AGA Perspectives details the plan review process, which responds to the findings of our recent Member Needs Assessment survey. Thanks to all the members who replied to the survey, your opinions are invaluable and will help AGA serve you better.

Finally during this Thanksgiving and December holiday season, take time from your busy schedule and day to day activities to reflect on the many blessings in your life (health and prosperity, family and friends). Spend a little extra time with those who mean the most to you. Kristin and I wish you the best for the remainder of this year and in the New Year to come.

Sincerely,
David A. Peura, MD
AGA President