Society’s First Congressional Fly-In

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Society’s First Congressional Fly-In

Heart Rhythm Society staff, members and leadership traveled to Washington, DC to attend the first congressional fly-in, visiting more than 35 lawmakers and their staff on Capitol Hill to raise visibility and support for a resolution promoting the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Critical Heart Rhythm Care Issues Discussed During 2011
Congressional Fly-In

Drs. Kevin Wheelan, Daniel Morin and Craig Delaughter pose with Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) during the 2011 Congressional Fly-in

Legislative fly-ins help raise awareness and put faces and stories on the important issues and challenges. Left to right: Kevin R. Wheelan, MD, FHRS, CCDS; Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN); Daniel P. Morin, MD, MPH, FHRS and Michael C. Delaughter, MD, Ph.D., FHRS during the Society's 2011 Congressional Fly-in.

The Heart Rhythm Society organized its first Congressional "Fly-In" in Washington DC on March 16-17, 2011. Fourteen members of the Society's Health Policy leadership team traveled to Capitol Hill to discuss, and advocate for, priority legislative issues relevant to heart rhythm care with members of Congress.

President of the Heart Rhythm Society Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, notes that due to the increasing number of Americans being diagnosed with AF, the country cannot afford to ignore its dangers. "People living with AF are five times more likely to have a stroke than the general population, AF costs the U.S. healthcare system nearly $15.7 billion annually, and it negatively impacts the quality of life of our patients," said Packer. "We are asking Congress to support the AF Resolution to help the Heart Rhythm Society and our partner organizations educate more patients and physicians about the disorder; diagnose AF earlier, including in patients who find it hard to articulate what they are experiencing; and accelerate treatment to end unnecessary suffering."
View the distributed AF Resolution (PDF, 389K) issue brief

While visiting Congressional offices, the HRS also sought co-sponsorship support for H.R. 5/S.218, the "Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2011." Staffers and lawmakers were asked to consider the medical liability reform models of California and Texas, which include limits on non-economic damages. Heart rhythm specialists told decision makers that these alternative models reduce incentives for defensive medicine and help to improve patient access to specialty care; particularly in rural and underserved areas.
View the distributed Medical Liability Reform (PDF, 399K) issue brief

The Society also requested co-sponsorship support for H.R. 452, the "Medicare Decisions Accountability Act of 2011," a bill that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) included as part of the "Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act of 2011." The physicians relayed their concerns regarding IPAB, which, under its current design, they believe lacks clinical expertise and the research capacity to examine the national and regional effects of proposed recommendations that are needed to make sure patients are not unduly impacted.
View the distributed IPAB (PDF, 392K) issue brief

"We are pleased with the outcomes of our meetings on Capitol Hill and look forward to working continually with Congress to make sure that the correct models are implemented to not only achieve fiscal responsibility, but also guarantee that patients have access to heart rhythm specialists for immediate and high-quality health care," said Packer.