Political Action Committee
U.S. health laws and payment models are undergoing a seismic shift. The SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) works for vascular surgeons, and only vascular surgeons, to ensure that SVS members get access to U.S. Representatives and Senators in order to discuss issues that have a major impact on members and their practices.
Support for the PAC from SVS Leaders
"Without a voice in Washington, we forgo one major avenue to advocate for our patient’s right to optimal vascular care. As you can well imagine, our legislators are constantly bombarded with efforts to influence their decisions on many issues including health care. Since many are not medically trained, what they hear may well sway their opinions regarding a particular legislation or new initiative. We must be informed regarding impending bills and legislative regulations that affect our patients and their access to our care. We must actively advocate for our patients and be readily available to provide expert opinions when required. The only way we can do this is to have “boots on the ground” and be proactive in the legislative process. The only PAC dedicated to the interests of Vascular Surgeon’s and their patients is the SVS PAC. I do feel that supporting the SVS PAC is one of our professional duties if want to have a say into how the legislative process works, which in my mind, is an absolute necessity. If we are “not at the table”, “not in the discussion”, then our opinions will not be heard. We “MUST BE IN THE DISCUSSION”; the SVS PAC provides us an avenue to make this happen. Please support the SVS PAC and the voice it provides us. The American health care landscape is dramatically evolving and we need to help shape the discussion." - Michael C. Dalsing, MD, Present SVS PAC Chair, 2019-2020
"The American healthcare landscape is rapidly changing. The past year has seen the first enrollment of the ACA and a major push for repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Medicare will continue to reevaluate payment models and revalue services provided while providers will continue to face reimbursement constraints. These changes will impact patient access to care and our ability to provide the care needed. The SVS PAC is the single voice in Washington that ensures issues facing the care of patients with vascular disease are understood. The SVS PAC has succeeded in averting cuts to vascular ultrasound reimbursement and reducing barriers to AAA screening. The SVS PAC continued to promote new legislation for the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Committee and the SGR. I became involved in the SVS PAC during my surgical training and quickly understood the critical importance the SVS PAC plays to advocate for vascular surgeons and our patients. The current political atmosphere demands that we be engaged in the political process and the PAC is our voice. I urge all members, it is our duty to our patients, and ourselves, to continue to support the SVS PAC." -
"I believe that supporting the Society for Vascular Surgery® (SVS) Political Action Committee (PAC) is one of our professional duties and is an investment in the future of vascular surgery. The SVS PAC is the only PAC that exclusively supports vascular surgery issues. On behalf of the SVS PAC Committee, I thank all members who support the PAC. 100 percent of your money is allocated to attend fundraisers for Congressional members and non-incumbent candidates who are supportive of our issues. The SVS PAC has been a catalyst for positive provisions in the health care reform law including no additional cuts to imaging and removal of barriers to AAA screening such as co-pays, at least a freeze on Medicare physician payments for the last eight years vs. cuts and being “at the table” for Medicare physician payment reform. We owe it to our patients to protect and advocate for the resources that will often determine whether they live or die, lose or keep a limb, suffer a stroke, or continue to live a happy and normal life. With the Supreme Court decision on health care reform, there is much more to be done. While all member contributions are important to our success, I particularly want to acknowledge the following vascular surgery groups where all vascular surgeons contribute: Albany Vascular Group. Michigan Vascular Center, New York University Vascular Associates, and The Cardiovascular Care Group. I am also encouraged that the entire SVS Board of Directors has contributed to the PAC in the past year." -
“The current changes in health care reimbursement directly impact vascular surgeons and their patients. You may not know that SVS is taking the lead in working with government officials to develop fair laws and practice guidelines. Instead of waiting for others to make all the decisions, our volunteer members and staff are working to ensure that those in government making the decisions understand the impact of their work. To be effective, it is critical that SVS be front and center at events with members of Congress to educate those making decisions. During 2012 and 2013, SVS members and/or staff have attended 74 events. Most notably: SVS PAC Chair David Deaton, MD attended a National Republican Congressional Committee event with House physician members and another event with Rep. Phil Gingrey, MD (R-GA) Former SVS PAC Chair Carlo Dall’Olmo, MD and Krishna Jain, MD hosted an event for House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) in his district. SVS staff hosted an event for SAAAVE Act sponsor Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) SVS is the leader in vascular health care, and we must continue to position ourselves that way. Your PAC contributions make it possible for SVS to attend important events with influential members of Congress to discuss our patients and their health. It is at those events where legislators start to understand the importance of quality vascular health care. These meetings provide a point of reference when they make important decisions. I urge you to contribute to the SVS PAC and encourage others in your practice to donate. If your contribution is $1,000 or more, the SVS PAC is pleased to offer you a complimentary new SVS logo tie or scarf.” -
“A good offense - great advocacy - is the best defense when confronted with so many unknowns today. The challenges are obvious and they are present on both sides of the aisle. Our response will only be as forceful as the resources we generate. We have many congressional leaders to meet with to present our issues. Your contribution to the SVS/PAC will allow us to advocate at every opportunity. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is but one example of the unknowns confronting us. Many of its final rules have yet to be formalized, and that process will require a considerable input from SVS. Another problem is that neither budget proposal recently presented for adoption by the Democrats or the Republicans has a doc fix for the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate. Both parties expect us to graciously accept future reimbursement cuts while keeping our doors open – a financial impossibility for us, whether employed or in private practice. All groups, whether employed or in private practice, need to join the SVS PAC 100 Percent Club. We all have much at stake. Let’s all do our share.” -