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- Health Disparities, COVID Testing Discussed at Annual Advocacy Town Hall
During the CAP 21 Annual Meeting on September 27, CAP members gathered both in person and virtually for a riveting Advocacy Town Hall.
During the session, moderator and House of Delegates Speaker Kathryn Knight, MD, FCAP, asked both CAP President Emily E. Volk, MD, FCAP, and Council on Government and Professional Affairs Jonathan Myles, MD, FCAP, about the CAP’s advocacy agenda. In addition, the Advocacy town hall allowed members to ask questions on the latest Advocacy efforts and inquire about current federal issues impacting their practice and reimbursements. The CAP continually works to expand the public policy impact of pathology at the federal and state levels of government by engaging members in advocacy efforts.
During the 60 minute session, panelists Dr. Volk and Dr. Myles discussed what the CAP accomplished in 2021 since the change of presidential administrations, the status of the upcoming Medicare cuts, threats to private sector payments, and health disparities in our health care system.
CAP President Dr. Volk reviewed the impact of pathologists during the COVID-19 pandemic and how increased communication from pathologists about the importance of valid PCR tests is vital in fighting this virus. She also discussed how the CAP Foundation’s See, Test, and Treat program has long-served underserved and underrepresented communities. Additionally, Dr. Volk outlined how pathologists could help with health disparities by ensuring that reference ranges are diverse and include underrepresented individuals when making a diagnosis.
Dr. Myles also discussed the current scope of practice issues as one of the immediate threats facing pathologists today.
By combining grassroots advocacy with events like our annual policy meeting, town hall meetings, and other forums, engaged CAP members help strengthen the profession's influence with policymakers.