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Thomas R. Russell, MD

Arch Surg. 2007;142(5):489-490.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The nation's health care delivery system is undergoing a period of considerable transition. As a professional organization, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) must work to ensure that the imminent changes serve the best interests of the surgical patient. Hence, we are spearheading and participating in a new scope of activities relating to health policy, research, education, and membership.

Health Policy

Many federal policymakers recognize that the current Medicare reimbursement system is critically flawed, particularly in its reliance on the sustainable growth rate to calculate the annual conversion factor. These individuals lean toward replacing the current methodology with one that links reimbursement to the value of the services physicians provide. Hence, a real challenge for the college is to develop performance measures and indicators that account for the unique nature of surgery. To this end, we actively participate in groups that vet quality measures, and we have formed . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Research and Optimal Patient Care

Education

Membership

Final Thoughts

AUTHOR INFORMATION