CAP Advocacy Highlights at CAP24 in Las Vegas

Pathologists attending CAP24 received updates on legislative and regulatory achievements and how the CAP is tackling the challenges ahead through its advocacy programs. CAP leaders discussed the latest updates on Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), Medicare payment, and the release of a new CAP report on health insurer interference in patient care.

Council on Government and Professional Affairs Chair Joe Saad, MD, FCAP, first presented these advocacy topics during a meeting of the House of Delegates on October 19. State Affairs Subcommittee Chair Rebecca F. Yorke, MD, FCAP then discussed the CAP’s state advocacy priorities and wins in 2024.

These topics were later reviewed in greater detail during our annual advocacy town hall event on October 20. The town hall featured Dr. Saad; Council on Government and Professional Affairs Vice Chair Diana Cardona, MD, MBA, FCAP; newly elected Board of Governor, Matthew R. Foster, MD, MMM, FCAP; and Theresa S. Emory, MD, FCAP, chair of the Payment Policy Subcommittee.

Pathologist Workforce

The Advocacy Policy Roundtable session on October 22 discussing pathologist supply in the US was the best received advocacy topic. It featured W. Stephen Black-Schaffer MD, FCAP, Dr. Saad and David Gross PhD from the CAP. The course addressed the collaboration between the CAP and the American Academy of Medical Colleges (AAMC) that has radically revised the count of US pathologists. The panelists reviewed a new study “Re-evaluation of the Methodology for Estimating the U.S. Specialty Physician Workforce,” published by Health Affairs Scholar, that uncovered an undercount in the workforce of pathologists as a result of omitting subspecialized training over several years.

LDT Hot Topic

On October 22, Bobbi S. Pritt MD, MS, FCAP, CAP Council on Scientific Affairs Chair; Jonathan R. Genzen MD, PhD, FCAP; and Dr. Saad examined how the FDA will potentially enforce the regulation of LDTs, the pathways laboratories might use to comply, and the options possible to reduce regulatory burden going forward. The course reviewed significant aspects of the final rule and its impact on pathologists, laboratories, other care providers, and patients.

Editor-in-Chief Speaks

On October 19, Bob Cusack, Editor-in-Chief of The Hill provided insider knowledge of policy and politics evolving from his post at one of the most respected news organizations in congressional circles during his PathPAC luncheon keynote speech. Mr. Cusack discussed how the next Congress could affect them.

PathPAC Raises $18,000

PathPAC later hosted a reception on October 20 for contributors to the only political action committee to represent pathologists. PathPAC celebrated its supporters with a reception attended by a pro-pathology member of Congress, Rep. Ami Bera, MD (D-CA). CAP members thanked Rep. Bera for his work to improve patient access to care, expand the physician workforce, and advocate for legislative solutions that will add economic stability to the physician payment system.

PathPAC raised $18,000 during the CAP24 Annual Meeting.