Year in review: ACP focuses on referral process, climate change, finance reform, more
The ACP often releases position papers advocating for policy changes that will better health care.
This year, Healio covered the ACP’s recommendations regarding correctional care, COVID-19 treatment in outpatient settings, climate change, long-term care services and more.
Catch up on Healio’s coverage of ACP policy papers over the past year below:
VIDEO: President-elect discusses ACP objectives in coming year
In this video, Ryan D. Mire, MD, FACP, president-elect of the ACP and an internist at Heritage Medical Associates in Nashville, Tennessee, describes key objectives that he will pursue. Watch video.
VIDEO: ACP wants to streamline specialist referrals
The ACP recently released a position paper that lays out recommendations for improving communication between primary care and specialty physicians, which in turn will improve patient care. Watch video.
ACP: Policymakers, health officials must address food insecurity
Access — or lack thereof — to nutritious food directly impacts Americans’ health, and more must be done to address food and nutrition insecurity, according to a position paper from the ACP. Read more.
ACP recommends finance reform to support long-term care services
Long-term services and support are critical to older Americans facing frailty, disability and other age-related complications, and the demand and cost of this care is expected to increase in the coming years, according to the ACP. Read more.
ACP: Genetic testing 'must be clinically indicated'
Physicians must carefully consider the risks and benefits of genetic testing and discuss the ethical challenges of the practice with their patients, according to a position paper from the ACP. Read more.
ACP lists recommendations to mitigate health disparities for Indigenous people
In a new position paper, published on Indigenous Peoples' Day, ACP stated that policymakers must provide financial resources to support equitable health care for Indigenous populations. Read more.
ACP recommends actions to mitigate climate change's impact on health
More must be done to address the serious health consequences from climate change, according to the ACP. Read more.
ACP denounces Florida decision to ban gender-affirming care for youth
The decision to ban gender-affirming care for youth in Florida will cause “irrevocable harm,” Mire said in a press release. Read more.
ACP releases living practice points on COVID-19 treatment in outpatient settings
The ACP has released living, rapid practice points summarizing the best available evidence on the treatment of adults with confirmed mild or moderate COVID-19 in an outpatient setting. Read more.
ACP advocates for better correctional health care in US
The ACP is calling for adequately funded policies and procedures to improve disparities in access to and the quality of health care for individuals in U.S. jails and prisons. Read more.
ACP supports CMS proposal to improve prior authorization process
The ACP has commended CMS’ proposal to require payers to streamline the prior authorization process to reduce delays in patient care and expand access. Read more.