Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO)

2019-09-19 Highlights from the 2019 SSAC

Highlights from CSRO’s 2019 State Society Advocacy Conference (SSAC)

Posted: September 20, 2019

On Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14, 2019, the CSRO held its annual State Society Advocacy Conference (SSAC) at the Westin Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The conference brought rheumatology advocates together from across the country to inspire action on issues affecting the practice of rheumatology. The SSAC panel topics and advocacy sessions provided attendees with up-to-date information on the status of rheumatology in the ever-changing political environment, and insight on ways to strengthen their organizations and encourage advocacy participation amongst their membership. Keynote Speaker Dr. Kevin Pho, @KevinMD, presented on the role of social media in medicine and the benefits it can bring to advocacy for those in the rheumatology profession.

The numerous panels and presentations, included:

A presentation given by CSRO Vice-President Dr. Gary Feldman on CSRO’s accomplishments in 2018 and 2019.
A panel discussion on “What’s New in Drug-Pricing and Transparency” with the President of the Alliance for Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP) Dr. Robert Levin, Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert, Matthew Magner, JD from the National Community Pharmacy Association; and CSRO President Dr. Madelaine Feldman as moderator.
A panel discussion on the role of lobbying in rheumatology with Florida lobbyist Toni Large, Indiana lobbyist Louis M. Belch, and CSRO Director of Government Affairs Kevin Daley as moderator.
A legislative and regulatory federal update given by Emily Graham, RHIA, CCS, on issues impacting rheumatologists and their patients.
A panel on “Exploring Utilization Management Wins and Losses” with Virginia Delegate Glenn Davis, Kansas Senator Barbara Bollier, Oklahoma State Rep. Cyndi Munson as panelists; and CSRO Senior Government Affairs Specialist Brian Henderson as moderator.
A presentation was given by Michael Budros, MPH, MPP, from the Center for Value-Based Insurance Design on “Changing the Health Care Discussion from How Much to How Well.”
Three advocacy training sessions were held for all attendees and offered valuable training on how to advance advocacy in their organizations. The sessions were led by CSRO staff and Dan Rene from Levick Communications.

2019 State Society Advocacy Conference Panel The CSRO is pleased with the success of the 2019 SSAC and wishes to thank all the attendees for participating, as well as the speakers and panelists who took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences and insight. The Conference was video recorded will be provided for viewing to those who were unable to attend via the CSRO website. The 2020 State Society Advocacy Conference details will also be available on the CSRO website later this year.