Educating members about Chapters,
Implementing mandatory dues,
CreatingOpportunity opportunity and Involvement involvement at the local level,
Gathering feedback on the Chapters.
Table of Contents
FAQs: 2009 Member Dues Information……………………….….2
Unhappy Member Profiles: Mandatory Dues Pushback…………..6
Compliant Tracking and Follow Up………………………………8
Chapter Communications Plan…………………………………..10
Dues Collection Schedule: 2009 Membership Year…………….11
Why Mandatory Chapter Dues, Why Now?…………………..…13
FAQs:2009MemberDues Information
What do I get for my ACC dues?
National dues include the prestigious Journal of the American College of Cardiology, free subscriptions to JACC:Cardiovascular Interventions or JACC:Cardiovascular Imaging — non-member subscription values of more than $600. Also provided as benefits of membership are Cardiology Review Journal, Cardiology member magazine and timely e-newsletters.
Members have access to a wealth of online resources including Cardiosource — with clinical guidelines, competence statements, journal scan, expert opinions, case studies and clinical trials, certification and maintenance of certification information — Cardiology Careers online job bank, and health information technology and practice management.
Access to the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR®) is also available to members, including ACTION, CathPCI, ICD, CARE and the IC3 office-based program — all nationally recognized clinical databases to benchmark patient outcomes.
Members receive discounts on more than 50 self-assessment programs, educational products and programs, and reduced registration fees for the ACC Annual Scientific Session/i2 Summit.
The ACC offers personal and group identification among highly trained cardiovascular specialists. Membership, particularly for those who are designated “F.A.C.C.,” also provides wide recognition of accomplishment and standing in the community.
Why should I support the ACC?
The ACC is the world’s largest professional society of cardiovascular specialists whose mission is to advocate for quality care — through education, research promotion, development and application of standards and guidelines—and to influence health care policy.
ACC core values include professionalism with a primary interest in patients, the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in cardiovascular science, ensuring that the cardiovascular profession makes a distinct contribution to medical care, integrity and ethical behavior, in a member-driven and inclusive organization.
Membership supports ACC’s leadership position in quality patient care and in representing cardiovascular medicine. Members guide and advanceclinical standards development, performance measurement, data collection through registries, adoption of electronic health record technology, and educational programs and products.
How does ACC manage member dues to maximize benefit and ensure efficiency and effectiveness?
National dues comprise 16 percent of the College’s overall revenues with the majority of other income from program registration, product sales, subscriptions, sponsorships, registry participant fees and more. Member dues increases are carefully considered by the member-led Board of Trustees. Dues have increased 3.9 percent from 2008 to 2009. This change reflectsongoing and critical initiatives, inflationary effects on the cost of operations, as well as postal and production costs associated withJACC.
The total amount due for 2009 includes mandatory chapter dues, and those amounts vary from chapter to chapter.
The Board carefully reviews every ACC initiative with an eye toward effective use of the College budget. Where activities do not yield revenues over expenses, or are not self-supporting, or are without sponsorship, the Board makes choices and determines whether additional resources are needed to fortify and enhance initiatives that support quality outcomes.
How do ACC dues compare with other medical societies’ dues?
ACC dues remain consistent with the dues assessed by other major medical professional societies. Comparative assessments routinely consider relative income levels, direct benefits, program and product offerings with disciplines such as ophthalmology, radiology, orthopaedics, dermatology, oncology and others.
How will the $50 Health System Reform Assessment (HSRA) be used?
The $50 assessment will provide much-needed resources to enhance and promote the College’s continued efforts to set a new standard for health care reform. Specifically, the funding will ensure the resources necessary to meaningfully address quality health care reform and related issues like Medicare reform; health IT adoption; regulatory changes; and patient access to affordable and appropriate health care. As experts in cardiovascular medicine, we have a responsibility to make our voices heard as policymakers debate health care reform. These funds are not used for political action committee activities. For summaries and updates on ACC advocacy, visit
Why are Chapter dues now mandatory?
Given the invaluable roles Chapters play, the ACC Board of Trustees approved the implementation of mandatory Chapter dues for active physician members. The goal: to provide Chapters with the resources necessary to develop innovative education and advocacy programs and offer increased professional opportunities for members.
Today’s major challenge for Chapters is to remain fiscally viable despite a political and economic climate that is making health care funding both increasingly difficult to secure and/or narrowly limited in scope. Other similarly situated medical associations, such as the AmericanCollege of Physicians, have seen an increase in Chapter membership and a greater sense of involvement from their members as a result of mandatory dues. Enabling a baseline membership experience is extremely important to energizing grassroots Chapter work.
What benefits will I get from Chapter membership?
Chapter membership provides critical education, quality and advocacy opportunities for all members at the local and regional level. The ACC’s 48 Chapters also play key roles when it comes to networking, leadership development and mentoring. They also allow members to work together to address critical issues facing the cardiovascular community. For more information visit
Why do I have to pay mandatory Chapter dues, if I’m not involved with my Chapter and/or my Chapter doesn’t offer what I need?
Strong Chapters mean a strong ACC. As College membership has increased, so has the need for a forum at the state level to discuss legislative, regulatory and socioeconomic issues. ACC Chapters have evolved from that need, and we currently have 48 Chapters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. These Chapters play a critical role as the grassroots voice of the cardiovascular community. They are also often the first line of defense on issues like in-office medical imaging and/or performance measurement. Often regulations, laws or payer programs are tested and/or implemented at the state level first. Mandatory Chapter dues are a critical component to making Chapters stronger and ensuring they have the resources and tools necessary to address these issues as they arise. Whether you are involved directly with your Chapter or not, they are working every day to champion cardiovascular-related issues that affect both your patients and your practice.
On an individual level, the College strongly encourages you to get involved with your local Chapter and to take advantage of the education, quality and advocacy opportunities it offers. Your participation and feedback will go a long way towards ensuring your needs are identified and met. In addition, Chapters offer tremendous leadership and networking opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else.
My institute pays my dues and they will not pay Chapter dues and/or the HSRA.
Payment of national dues, Chapter dues and the health system reform assessment are all mandatory to be considered a full, dues-paying member of the AmericanCollege of Cardiology. Failure to pay any portion of your dues will result in your membership not being renewed. This will not only affect your FACC designation, but receipt of JACC and eligibility to use member rates at the ACC Annual Scientific Session and other educational programs as well.
U.S. members, please note that the portion of your dues associated with lobbying, both at the state and national level, is detailed on the back of your dues statement. Federal law stipulates that members must receive this information for tax purposes, as it is non-deductible.
Are there changes in CCA dues?
CCA national dues remain unchanged at $100. The ACC is committed to supporting and serving members of the cardiac care team. Your dues statement may reflect optional Chapter dues amounts. You are strongly encouraged to join your local chapter and include Chapter dues with your payment. Your Chapter ensures your access to information, programs and cardiovascular networks in your community.
Are there changes in FIT dues?
FIT dues remain complimentary. Fellows in Training are the future of the cardiovascular workforce, and the ACC provides both national and Chapter membership at no cost. ACC Chapters provide key education, quality and advocacy opportunities for the local cardiovascular community. Chapters also offer unique leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities that can help you as you move forward in your career. For more information, visit
Unhappy Member Profiles
I have no idea what a Chapter is, or what it does
Chapters are your “Local Champions.” Based in a USstate or Puerto Rico, these organizations are run by a Chapter President (an elected, local cardiologist) and a Council (Secretary, Treasurer, etc.). Some Chapters have Committees such as Quality, Reimbursement, Technology, Fellows-in-Training, and Advocacy. The Chapter provides a number or opportunities for cardiovascular specialists. Some examples are:
-Opening your practice to lawmakers as part of a “Cardiologist for a Day” program
-Taking part in a local lobby day
-Writing to your lawmakers or local papers about issues that affect your practice and patients
-Taking part in a quality improvement pilot
-Speaking at local or state events about health care reform, Medicare payment, etc.
-Taking part in educational programs, such as the Chapter’s annual meeting
-Getting involved in Chapter governance and committees
Chapters play a critical role in representing the cardiovascular community at the state level by: are the organizational body that works with these groups to support the cardiology community. Some activities include:
-Acting as a State state liaison to:
- State Governor governors and Legislaturelegislatures
- State Departments of Health
- State regulatory entities
- State Medical medical Societiessocieties
- State Insurance insurance Commissionerscommissioners
- Insurance plans
- Helping Sshape sState models of health care reform
-Lead Implementing ACC programsprograms related to advocacy and quality.:
Quality
Advocacy
-Lead Chapter activityProviding timely educational opportunities:
- Annual Chapter Meeting
Local continuing medical education (CME/CE)
- Offering Nnetworking opportunitiesevents
- Communicate with their Chapter members on key issues related to education, advocacy and/or quality via newsletters and other vehicles.
For example, on Education, Advocacy, and Quality
Newsletters
I don’t like what my Chapter does
Get involved. Be the change that you want to see.
Chapters are run by a Chapter President (an elected, local cardiologist) and a Council (Secretary, Treasurer, etc). Some Chapters have Committees such as Quality, Reimbursement, Technology, Fellows-in-Training, and Advocacy. There is are always opportunities for you to be involved at whatever level you feel most comfortabley. Your time commitment can be minimal or great. (Ask if they know how to contact their Chapter leadership.)
I am only interested in National issues, not local
Former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt said, “All health care is local, and we need cooperative local action just as we need common national goals.”
The practice of Cardiology is shaped at your Sthe state level by:
-State Governor governors and lLegislatures
-State Departments of Health
-State regulatory entities
-State medical societies
-State Insurance insurance Commissionerscommissioners
-Insurance plans
-State models for healthcare reformOthers
Chapters are the organizational body that works with these groups to support represent the cardiovascular logy community.
I have no interest in Advocacy
As ACC CEO Jack Lewin, M.D., says: “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu.”
Cardiologists have seen their reimbursement go down and their time with their patients shrink, while at the same time as regulations have grown increased and the we face a critical workforce shortage. cardiologist workforce shrink. Now is the time to act to protect and preserve the practice of cardiology and improve our health care environment so patients get the best carehighest quality and cost effective care.
Laws controlling medicineaffecting our patients and our practices should not be passed without physician input. No one takes the pulse of patients needs better than we do.We must work with Congress, payers, and our State state Legislatureslegislatures and others, to ensure quality care and sound practice.Chapters are on the frontline of these efforts and a key component as the country moves forward with health care reform.
Complaint tracking and Follow up
Situation #1: A disgruntled member calls the Membership Department, and their questions are immediately resolved.
For EVERY complaint, please capture the following information:
1. Full Member member Namename
2. Description of iIssue and rResolution
3. Contact information
This information will be used for tracking, follow up, and future planning.
Please send this information via e-mail to Marcy Gregory (), who will manage a complaint tracking sheet, and Taryn Gold () who is point person for complaints in Chapter Affairs and liaison to Chapter leadership.
Situation #2: A disgruntled member calls the Membership Department. Their questions are unresolved and they insist on speaking with someone else.
The caller will either want to be forwarded immediatelyto speak with someone or will request a call back/email address to register the complaints.
FORWARD
Please forward callers to Chapter Affairs Team:
Taryn Goldx6248
Helen Smithx6269
Sharon Kneebonex6304
Jayne Jordanx6609
Membershipstaff also forwardsthe caller information via e-mail to Marcy Gregory () and Taryn Gold ().
Chapter Affairs will work with the caller:
If resolved, the details of the complaint’s close will be sent to Marcy and the Chapter leadership (President and Executive) via e-mail for tracking.
If unresolved, the information captured will be sent to Marcy and the Chapter leadership (President and Executive) via email for the Chapter’s immediate follow up. The leadership will then close the loop with Chapter Affairs and Marcy.
CALL BACK or EMAIL
Membership staff forward caller information to Marcy Gregory (), who will manage a complaint tracking sheet, and to Taryn Gold (). Please note that the caller wanted a call back or is planning on writing us.
Chapter Affairs will work with the member:
If resolved, the details of the complaint’s close will be sent to Marcy and the Chapter leadership (President and Executive) via email for tracking.
If unresolved, the information captured will be sent to Marcy and the Chapter leadership (President and Executive) via e-mail for the Chapter’s immediate follow up. The leadership will then close the loop with Chapter Affairs and Marcy.
Goal for each call
-Educate caller on what Chapters do
-Engage them in opportunities through their Chapter
-Track all complaints
- Capture issues with Chapters for follow up
Useful Staff Tools
The Chapter Affairs Extranet
The ACC.org Chapters Page
[s1]
or
Communications Plan
Throughoutfall2008 and into 2009, the Chapters and ACC national will promote the benefits of Chapter membership during the roll-out of mandatory Chapter dues.
Both Chapters and ACC National will use different media and venues to reach the greatest audience. Some means include websites and e-templates, as well as paper tools including Chapter brochures, an invoice insert promotion, and Cardiology.
Chapters will rollout:
-Chapter brochure for meetings
-Template announcements
•E-Brochure Template (Ready Late Sept.)
•E-Newsletter Announcement
(Available on Chapter Affairs Extranet)
•Banner advertisements for Chapter websites or newsletter based on acc.org banner ad
National will communicate through:
–New Chapter Landing page
–September Cardiology Article
–Continued focus on Chapter profiles in Cardiology magazine throughout 2008 and 2009
–Chapter promotion inserts with membership invoices
–Communications in Dues reminders
–Fall and Winter ACC publications
–Online and print ads (acc.org)
–"State of the Chapters” review (Jan 09)
–Hold message on ACC line promoting Chapters
Dues Collection Schedule: 2009 Membership Year
AmericanCollege of Cardiology 4/14/08
- ACC’s membership year is January- December for all renewing Member types.
- Statements are issued this year to all renewals, including Fellows-in-Training, providing them with the opportunity to participate in chapters and sections.
- Statements will also include 1-2 prior years unpaid dues for full members.
- Follow-up statements and reminders are more frequent and earlier.
- Follow-up collection efforts will include unmarked/unpaid amounts for basic dues, healthcare reform assessment, and current chapter amounts.
- Chapters will be welcome to support collection efforts in December, February, and July.
Sept. 15, 20081st 2009 Dues StatementACC