connecting cardiology in the sunshine state · connecting cardiology in the sunshine state our...

FLORIDA CHAPTER OF

THE AMERICAN COLLEGE

OF CARDIOLOGY

winter 2008 Florida

CHAPTER NEwsConnecting Cardiology in the Sunshine State

Your TickeT

to Advocacy Action

Annual Meeting Wrap

IDTF Announcement

Advocacy Actions

sideinPREsIDENT’s MEssAGE 3

TALLAHAssEE UPDATEA snapshot of Florida’s political landscape 4

BILLING & CODING Reimbursement actions 6

FLORIDA CARDIOLOGIsTs ON CALL 8

FLORIDA CHAPTER GOEs TO wAsHINGTION 10

OPEN LETTER TO THE BOARD OF GOvERNORs 11

ANNUAL MEETING wRAP-UP 12

PERsPECTIvEs CONFERENCE REGIsTRATION FORM 12

JOIN THE CONvERsATION on Health Care Reform 15

FLORIDA CHAPTER NEws | wINTER 2008

3208 East Colonial Drivesuite 264Orlando, FL 32803877-793-8171 tel 888-637-2405 faxwww.accfl.org

Florida Chapter Annual Meeting

A combination of CME and

family fun. Each afternoon

attendees are free to

enjoy the parks and other

recreation after benefiting

from a program constructed

on expert opinion and

identified learning gaps.

Attendees can expect

lively discussion, practice

management information

and an insight into how

lawmakers in Tallahassee

and washington, DC are

impacting the practice of

cardiology.

Plan for Next Year Now!

Mark your family & office calendar for August 21-23, 2009 at The Boardwalk Resort in Walt Disney World.

PREsIDENTAlberto E. Montalvo, MD

sECRETARY-TREAsURER

Daniel Pauly, MD

IMMEDIATE PAsT PREsIDENTJamie Conti, MD

ExECUTIvE DIRECTORJennifer Ray Beckman, CAE, [email protected]

GRAPHIC DEsIGNLynn Rileywww.lynnrileydesign.com

4

8

12

3winter 2008 FLORIDA CHAPTER NEws

In only a few months, we will have a new president, a new Congress sitting in Wash-ington, D.C., a new Senate and House in Tallahassee and new faces in each of these

elected bodies. As a result of expenditures for the financial crisis, a multi-fronted war on ter-rorism and other federal efforts, we will be sad-dled with more debt than our nation has ever known in the past—yet health care is destined to top the state and national agendas.

In races all around the country, but especially here in Florida, voters want to know how law-makers are going to guarantee access to health care, ensure that new therapeutic and diagnos-tic techniques are available to everyone and low-er health care expenses. If one thing is certain, it is that there are no easy or evident answers to the health care debate other than that reform is needed and needed quickly.

Our collective efforts as cardiologists are im-portant to keeping our voice heard among the ever-crowded din surrounding the reform issue. We need to be sure that elected officials hear from physicians and other providers—early and often. Because we need members to be in con-tact with elected officials on all levels, we are building a network called the “Florida Cardiol-ogists on Call.” Each member has a part to play with state and federal representatives, senators and delegates.

It is important that we each step up and take the time to take action when called upon. On page 8 of this issue, you will find a form to fill out to sign up and commit to taking action. There are different levels of your “on-call com-mitment.” Some of the alerts are released well in advance of votes on legislation, and it will take more time to cultivate a relationship with a lawmaker. Some of the alerts simply call on

you to pick up the phone within 24 hours of re-ceiving an e-mail from the chapter office. Please take a moment and assess what you can do—our profession needs to interact with those who will decide how we practice medicine seriously.

This fall FCACC was well represented in Washington, D.C., (see page 5) and visited many offices on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the American College of Cardiology Leg-islation Conference. These in-person meetings are positive interactions: Being able to direct-ly explain the impact of congressional legisla-tion through a short story about a patient re-ally brings the messages that we send through postcards, letters and calls home. Without the personal touch, the mail means less; without the volume of mail and phone calls represent-ing the numerous people affected, the personal touch means less.

Fundamentally, FCACC needs members to do all sorts of activities—from simply mailing a postcard to taking a moment to pick up the phone because some activities that seem more basic compliment the in-person delegation that flew to the nation’s capitol and visited Senate and House offices a few weeks ago. That concept is the basis of our Florida Cardiologists on Call program—so please rip out the forms and sign up today to make sure you are an active part of health care reform. FCn

Without the personal touch, the mail means less; without the volume of mail and phone calls representing the numerous people affected, the personal touch means less.

By Alberto E. Montalvo, MD, FACCFCACC President

President’s Message now is the time to act

4 FLORIDA CHAPTER NEws winter 2008

From Wall Street, to Main Street, to the family budget, tough decisions

are affecting our businesses and families in a very real way. More than ever before, Florida voters and business associations must stay informed and remain politically engaged to elect strong leaders and solution-seekers who are making many of these decisions on our behalf.

To that end, here is a snapshot of Florida’s political landscape, a few of the key issues facing the state and some of the leaders who will shape the debates. Every two years members of the Florida legislature elect their legislative leaders and make committee assignments among the members. New leaders in the House and Senate will be installed during an organizational session that will take place in November after the general election—the beginning of a new two-year cycle.

Election results and key legislative committee assignments will be posted on the FCACC website for your review. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need further information about any of the issues mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact the lobbying team through FCACC’s Executive Director Jennifer Ray Beckman at [email protected].

Politics—Legislative Fundraising: Senate President-designate Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach), chairman of the Senate Health Regulation Committee has raised a record $2.2 million for his campaign. Atwater’s Committee of Continuous Existence (CCE) has raised an additional $820,000. Leading contributors to Atwater include physicians ($249,000), lawyers ($161,000), real estate interests ($114,000) and

lobbyists ($80,000).The second most prolific fundraiser is House

Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach), who has raised $657,000. Hasner is expected to continue in his role as Majority Leader under incoming Speaker Ray Sansom (R-Destin).

Other leading fundraisers include:• Rep. Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park), who is

expected to succeed Sansom as Speaker in 2010—$527,000.

• Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres)—$504,000.• Sen. Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey)—

$470,000.• Sen. JD Alexander (R-Lake Wales)—$383,000.• Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale)— $356,000.

Politics—Voter Registration: The latest voter registration statistics indicate that of Florida’s 10,744,090 registered voters, 41 percent are Democrats (4,453,008), 37 percent are Republicans (3,954,884), 19 percent have no party affiliation (1,988,679) and 3 percent are members of minor parties (347,679). Data on net new voter registration from January through August

Tallahassee Update >>A Snapshot of Florida’s Political Landscape

New leaders in the House and Senate will be installed during an organizational session that will take place in November after the general election—the beginning of a new two-year cycle.

A Snapshot of Florida’s Political Landscape


2008, indicate that approximately 59 percent of new registrants are Democrats, 23 percent are Republicans and 18 percent are independents.

State Budget and Taxes: At the urging of Gov. Crist, the Legislative Budget Commission approved a plan to address the $1.5 billion shortfall in the fiscal year 2008-09 budget by transferring $672 million from the state’s rainy day fund. The transfer reduces, but does not eliminate, the need for further cuts in the current

year’s budget.The budget deficit could grow

as revenues continue to fall short of even the most recently revised revenue estimates. August state revenues were $17 million below the most recently revised revenue estimate.

Energy—Offshore Drilling Ban: Congress’s decision to al-low the moratorium on offshore drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts to expire on Oct. 1 does not affect the ban on drilling off Florida’s gulf coast. Drilling within 125 miles of the Florida gulf coast is prohibited under a separate law enacted in 2006. The moratorium on drill-ing in the Atlantic and Pacific was originally enacted in 1990 and has been renewed each year since then. Continuation of the gulf coast ban does not require congressional action.

Energy—Gasoline Price Gouging Investigations: Hurricane Ike produced gaso-line shortages and price spikes in Tallahassee and other areas. Both the Department of Agri-culture and Consumer Services and the Department of Legal Affairs received thousands of complaints from consumers. In response, Agriculture Commis-sioner Charles Bronson and At-torney General Bill McCollum have initiated price-gouging in-

vestigations and have issued subpoenas for pric-ing information to Exxon Mobil, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Citgo, Murphy Oil USA, Mara-thon and others. Several companies have already responded to the subpoenas and others have been granted extensions. McCollum stated that his in-vestigation is not yet close to determining how much of the problem is a result of price gouging and how much consists of retailers passing along legitimate wholesale price increases.

Education—University Chancellor Resigns: Mark Rosenberg, chancellor of Florida’s universi-ty system, has announced that he will step down next February and return to teaching at Flori-da International University. Rosenberg will have served as chancellor for three years, a period that saw a tug-of-war between the Board of Governors and the legislature over control of the university system. The Board of Governors announced that it will immediately begin the search process for a new chancellor.

Gaming—Seminole Casinos: After the Florida Supreme Court rejected the gaming compact en-tered into between Gov. Crist and the Seminole Tribe on the basis that the compact had not been approved by the legislature, the tribe continued to operate games that would have been allowed under the compact but are not allowed elsewhere in Florida. The state does not receive any revenue from these operations. The Supreme Court deci-sion became final when rehearing was denied on Sept. 11. On Sept. 19, Attorney General McCol-lum requested that the chairman of the federal body that regulates Indian gaming, the Nation-al Indian Gaming Commission, order the tribe to cease conducting any gaming that is not allowed elsewhere in the state, until the state can enter into a valid compact with the tribe. The issue is expected to come before the legislature either in the 2009 regular session or in a possible special session on the budget. FCn

continued from page 4

Tallahassee Update >>

By Marnie L. George and Michael P. Harrell,FCACC Chapter Lobbyists

The FCACC was honored to have ACCPAC host U.s. Congressman Tom Feeney at a PAC event immediately proceeding the annual meeting.


deeming StatusIf a provider voluntarily sees in his or her office a patient who has a Medicare replacement policy and agrees to accept the allowance from the Medicare replacement policy, the provider is considered to be “deemed.” For all services rendered to that patient in the future, the provider will be required to accept the amount paid by the Medicare replacement policy. The deeming guideline continues through the end of 2010 and changes on Jan. 1, 2011, per legislation passed July 15, 2008, by Congress. As of Jan. 1, 2011, this deeming requirement goes away unless there is congressional action to alter this change.

Cardiac Caths in idtFsFor the past two years First Coast Service Options (FCSO) has sent notice to Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTFs) that perform cardiac catherization services that they will no longer be able to bill as an IDTF. The latest deadline was Oct. 1, 2008. While the ability to continue to bill for cardiac catherizations in an IDTF was to be taken away, FCSO did not offer an alternative method of enrollment. Due to the extensive work of the Third Party Reimbursement Committee, this decision has been overturned and IDTFs may continue to perform cardiac catherization procedures on and after Oct. 1, 2008, for an indefinite period.

FCSO has indicated that in the first quarter of 2009 it will release a draft policy for IDTFs. Any cardiologist affiliated with an IDTF is advised to go to FCSO’s website at www.floridamedicare.com to look at the draft policy. Comments may be made directly to the medical director or they may be funneled through the Carrier Advisory Committee representative of the chapter, Jerold Saef, M.D.

Although IDTFs may continue to perform cardiac catherization services, based on the current guidelines, Medicare will not pay an IDTF for peripheral angiography or peripheral stents when performed in an IDTF. If cardiologists are performing these peripheral services in an IDTF, they will need to make an arrangement with the IDTF for the cardiologist to bill and reimburse the IDTF. Prior to this arrangement being made, legal

counsel, a consultant or other trusted advisor should be involved to ensure that any billing does not violate the stark laws or cause an implication of fee splitting, kickback or inducement.

As published in the Florida Administrative Code, coronary interventions are not allowed to be performed in a freestanding cardiac catherization facility regardless if it is an IDTF or if it is considered part of the group practice. Only cardiac catherization and non-coronary interventions may be performed in a freestanding facility.

idtF registration ProposedThere is a proposal pending that all Medicare providers that perform diagnostic tests must register as Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTF) in order to perform these services. If this proposal is adopted, providers would have to notify Medicare each time there is a change in technicians, equipment, supervising physicians, etc. This could be burdensome. In addition to the burden on the provider, it could cause so much work for First Coast Service Options (FCSO), the Medicare carrier for the state of Florida, that it could not process applications in a timely manner.

Currently, the IDTF standards do not allow an IDTF to be located at the same address as another provider enrolled with Medicare. This could cause problems. Unless the IDTF standards are changed, a provider could not provide diagnostic testing at the same location as his or her practice if the proposed requirement goes into effect.

Although the proposal requires anyone performing diagnostic tests to register as an IDTF, it is thought that this will not go through as written and will be changed to requiring accreditation; i.e., JCAHC or AAAHC for each provider performing diagnostic tests instead of registering as an IDTF.

Billing & Coding >>

Reimbursement Actions

Currently, the IDTF standards do not allow an IDTF to be located at the same address as another provider enrolled with Medicare.

By Jeff Howard and Ray Howard, FCACC Billing and Coding consultants

continued on page 11


As a profession and an association, we are now organizing our contacts with elected officials to ensure that lawmakers hear

from physicians and other providers—early and often. FCACC needs members to be in contact with elected officials on all levels. At the last FCACC Advocacy Committee Meeting, a plan for action was envisioned—a plan in which each member has a part to play at the different activity levels. We know that some FCACC

members have more time than others—some can make appointments with their congressional representative in person while others’ schedules will permit only a call on urgent issues. As amplified by Chapter President Alberto Montalvo on page 2 of this publication, every interaction complements the others.

Join Florida Cardiologists on Call by sending in the postcard stitched into the centerfold of this issue of Florida Chapter News. There are different levels of your “on-call commitment.” As you will see below, the top level asks you well in advance of votes on legislation to cultivate a personal relationship with a lawmaker. Other levels of action simply call for you to pick up the phone within 24 hours of receiving an e-mail from the chapter office.

Take a moment and assess what you can do—our profession and our patients need us to interact consistently with those who will decide how we practice medicine.

Florida Cardiologists on Call Commitment levelsadviSor: Cultivate a personal relationship with

a specific lawmaker. Visit his/her office twice a year, contact during all-important legislation and know the staff members who deal with health care matters. Attend at least one campaign event for your lawmaker.

Patron: Contribute to ACCPAC at the $250 level and also commit to contributing $250 directly to a local campaign when FCACC asks.

Storyteller: Commit to writing two letters annually that illustrate from your personal experience the need for change in the system.

telePhone aCtiviSt: Call lawmakers’ offices within 24 hours (or less!) of receiving alerts issued by the chapter. FCn

Florida Cardiologists on Call

WE NEED YOU!

Sign up today by pulling out the postcard attached here. Our grassroots network is only as

strong as each member. Without

your action today, it will be more

difficult for cardiology concerns

to prevail.


Florida Chapter Goes to Washington

In mid-September, FCACC Advocacy Chair Allen Seals, M.D., from Jacksonville; President Alberto Montalvo, M.D., from Bradenton;

Robert L. Rothbard, M.D., of Winter Park; Jay C. Koons, M.D., Ph.D., from Gainesville; Brian Taschner, M.D., from Fort Myers; and Steve West from Fort Myers traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the American College of Cardiology Legislative Conference. They met with the legislative staffs focused on health care in senators’ and representatives’ offices. In addition they met with Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) and his staff to deliver specific messages on behalf of the cardiology community and its patients.

The main statement from the delegation was the U.S. health care system is primed for reform, but any health care reform must focus on the patient and provide access to quality care.

Congress should work with the physician community toward a more sustainable reimbursement system that replaces the flawed and failing Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula with one that reflects increases in practice costs and accounts of appropriate growth in services. The FCACC delegation pointed out that without congressional action, physicians face an approximately 20 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement in 2010.

Congress should support legislation that provides federal financial assistance (tax credits, grants, loans, Medicare add-

on payments) to physicians to encourage and drive the adoption of Health Information Technology—the electronic health record.

As Steve West reported after the meetings, “Those with whom we spoke are as frustrated as we are with the SGR formula. They all expressed a commitment to fix the Medicare reimbursement problem. Unfortunately, they do not have a clear understanding of how to fix it. This is compounded by a lack of leadership in the Congress at this time to develop a plan to address the Medicare problem.” Through chapter efforts and those of the ACC national staff, these issues will continue to be raised, especially as a new administration takes over.

Fundraisers attended by delegationWhile in D.C., the FCACC delegation also was fortunate to be able to attended two fundraisers in addition to being present at all of the ACC Legislative Conference events.

One fundraiser was for State Sen. Bill Posey who is running for Florida’s 15th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Dave Weldon, M.D. (R). Posey has served in both

the Florida House and Senate. While in the Florida legislature, he has been a great

supporter of the physicians of Florida and was instrumental in passing the

FMA’s Managed Care Legislation (SB 1012). We were proud to be able to participate in this event and show our support.

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) also had an event that the delegation was able to attend. Putnam represents the 12th Congressional District in Florida and is viewed by many as a rising political star in Washington.

FCACC Advocacy Committee Chair Allen Seals, M.D., is also the representative from Florida on the ACC Political Action Committee Board—he attends all ACCPAC board meetings and has an active role in the discussion of how the ACCPAC supports candidates. For more information about the ACCPAC, please visit www.accpacweb.org/ssl. FCn

Pictured at the ACC Legislative Conference from left to right are Alberto Montalvo, steve west, Robert Rothbard and Allen seals.


Open Letter to the ACC Board of Governors

Payer advocacy1. The chapter needs help engaging UsHealthcare, Aetna

and Cigna at a local level on reimbursement issues. 2. There is a large contingent of members that are very

concerned with the outpatient cath lab reimbursement issues but there is little direction on how members can work on the problem. Direction from ACC on actions the membership can take over the next 3-9 months is needed.

3. There was a large discussion that there is a need for outreach to the top leadership levels of the American Hospital Association to encourage them to stop lobbying against doctors and outpatient facilities.

4. The membership asked for more expedient responses to CMs regulatory issues like IDTF classification – suggestions included templates distributed to chapters for encouraging members to contact the correct administration officials and direct contact from national staff who track these issues with the BOG and chapter executives.

5. ACC should reconsider establishing ACC accreditation for Nuclear, Echo, vascular and CT scans labs and outpatient offices/facilities.

advocacy1. Increase involvement in the ACCPAC through local

fundraisers – there was excitement at the meet and greet with Congressman Tom Feeney that preceded our Annual Meeting.

Cath lab1. Outpatient cath lab reimbursement issues dominated the

discussion – see above.2. There is a large concern about the practice of pacemaker

companies training physicians for pacemaker implantations; this creates low volume operators, low quality and significant conflict of interest and ethics concerns. Does the ACC have a position on this practice?

Council1. The leadership of the chapter is very much looking

forward to meet with National leadership in March when Orlando hosts ACC 2009 and the i2 summit. FCn

It’s expected that the final guidelines regarding this area will be released in November.

recovery audit Contractors (raCs)Over the past three years, Florida has been one of three states involved in a demonstration project for auditing Medicare Providers. This program is referred to as a Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) audit. The RACs are independent contractors to the government and commonly referred to as “bounty hunters” because they are paid a percentage of the refunds identified. The RAC’s have identified millions of dollars of overpayments and much of this has been collected. Unfortunately, the RACs do not always have accurate information and are asking for

some refunds that are not valid.Effective Oct. 1, RAC auditors will be auditing

providers in all states. Providers should ensure that they comply with all the guidelines of the RAC audit. If the RAC auditor finds an overpayment, the overpayment must be made while the appeal is being resolved. Providers should ensure that they have appropriate documentation prior to requesting an appeal; however, if there is appropriate documentation, an appeal should be made. Be sure to include any modifiers if applicable or other supplemental information in the appeals as this has been an area in which RAC auditors have been inaccurate in the past. If a provider does not provide additional information, the appeal will not be accepted. FCn

continued from page 4

Billing & Coding >>

The Florida Chapter met in late August and held open committee meetings, a formal business meeting and a Council

meeting where there was representation from all parts of our large state. All these meetings and informal discussions were conducted to ensure

that the chapter leadership listened to the needs of members and passed on concerns directly to the ACC in Washington, DC. Below is a list of the top concerns and issues for what I hope is future discussion and action.

—Alberto Montalvo, MD, FACC, President


The Florida Chapter held its 22nd Annual Meeting at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn in late August. Attendance was greater this

year than last, as meeting chair Juan Aranda Jr. and President Alberto Montalvo opened up committee meetings to all members to garner additional feedback and planned special family events including the President’s Dinner in EPCOT Center’s Living Seas Pavilion.

Educational sessions featured renowned speakers Robert Bonow, Valentine Fuster and C. Richard Conti and also included case presen-tations, a session on reimbursement issues and a Young Investigator Awards Competition. At-tendees also were handed a UBS jump drive with

speaker presentations, which eliminated bulky handouts and reduced paper waste. New this year were poster presentations by Fellows to in-crease visibility of the chapter in the minds of the youngest FCACC members.

The chapter also was able to assist with the ACCPAC Meet & Greet for Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Fla.). Chapter members were charged up to hear about health care reform from a sitting member of Congress and were generous in their contribu-tions to his campaign. The Florida Chapter meet-ing combined stellar education, family activities and political information to make it the most suc-cessful meeting to date.

Annual Meeting at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Above: Dan Doty and wife Paula from Pensacola enjoy Epcot.

Left: FCACC members and their family enjoy fireworks display from private balcony at Epcot.

Ray Howard and Jerold saef talk with Rep. Feeney at ACCPAC Reception.

Plan for Next Year Now!

Mark your calendar for August 21-23, 2009


Richard schofield accepts Florida Heart Researcher of the Year.

Alberto Montalvo greets Roberto Arce.

Exhibitors in Marvin Gardens Hall Chat it Up with Attendees.

Left: the Boardwalk Band joined our festivities. Right: Fred Kusumoto, MD, Chair, YIA Committee with YIA winners Ali Rias, MD and (far right) stuart smalheiser, MD.

Chapter President Alberto Montalvo presents awards (left to right) to Distinguished service Award winner Juan Aranda, Jr., MD; Presidential Citiation winner C. Richard Conti, MD; Distinguished service Award winner Jamie Conti, MD; and Distinguished Award winner steve west, MD.

Program Director Juan Aranda and family

speaker Joshua Hare dines at Epcot.

August 22–24, 2008 | Disney’s BoArDwAlk resort | lAke BuenA VistA, FlA.

PerspectivesOn New Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Techniques in Clinical Cardiology

January 30 - February 1, 2009

Questions? Contact the Foundation of the Florida Chapter, ACC

877.793.8171 • [email protected]

Register Online

Fast & Secure!

www.foundationaccfl.org

Please use ONE of these methods to register:

SECURE ONLINE REGISTRATION

www.foundationaccfl.org

MAIL APPLICATION AND PAYMENT TO:Foundation of the Florida Chapter,American College of Cardiology3208 E. Colonial Drive, Suite 264Orlando, FL 32803

PHONE Toll Free: (877) 793-8171

FAX (888) 637-2405

4 Easy Ways to Register!

Please print clearly.

Membership Number (If applicable) ____________________________

Last Name ________________________________________________

MD DO PhD RN Other (specify) _____________

First Name ________________________________________________(as you wish it to appear on a badge)

Address __________________________________________________

City _________________State _______Zip Code ________________

Office Telephone ___________________________________________

Office Fax_________________________________________________

E-mail ___________________________________________________(without e-mail you will not receive confirmation of registration)

What is your primary medical specialty? (Check ONE)

Adult Cardiology Pediatric Cardiology CV Surgery

Internal Medicine Pharmacology Radiology

Family/General Other (specify)

Special NeedsWe encourage participation by all individuals. If you have special needs,advance notification of your requirements will help us better serve you.If you need accessible accommodations, special dietary needs, or other special accommodations you must advise us in writing at least three weeks before the program.

Registration FeesPlease check your tuition category.

Tuition received on On-site tuitionPayment Received: or before Jan. 19 received after Jan. 19

ACC Member $490 $590

Nonmember $575 $675

Cardiac Care Team* $335 $435

*Members of the cardiac care team receive this special discounted

rate and include the following:

Fellow in Training Resident Nurse

Physician Assistant Technologist Emeritus ACC Member

Payment (Payment must accompany application.)

Check payable to The Foundation of the Florida Chapter of the American

College of Cardiology in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank.

MasterCard Visa (we regret we cannot accept American Express)

Cardholder’s Name _________________________________________

Credit Card Number ________________________________________

Exp. Date _________________________________________________

Three digit security code ____________________________________

Cardholder’s Billing Address Same as address above

Cardholder’s Street Address___________________________________

Cardholder’s City _____________State ______Zip Code ___________

Cardholder’s Daytime Phone Number __________________________

CancellationsA full refund minus a $150 processing fee will be given for written cancella-tions received in the chapter office by December 30, 2008. No refund will begiven for no-shows. No refunds will be given after this date. Substitutionswill be allowed if new registrant is in the same registration category.

In the unlikely event that the program is cancelled, FCACCF will refundthe registration fee in full, but is not responsible for any travel or hotelcosts you may incur.

Please NoteSmoking is prohibited in all ACC meeting rooms and cell phones are notallowed in meeting rooms.

perspectives08-3 10/22/08 1:32 PM Page 8


Join the Conversation advoCaCyon

Sign up to be a “Florida Cardiogist on Call” by filling out and sending in the postcard on page 8 (don’t forget to add postage). In addition - give the second card to a colleague and explain the importance of action in the cardiology community.

vote for physician-friendly candidates on nov. 4. One great place to start your research is the Florida Medical Association Political Action committee website at www.fmaonline.org/fmapac/pages/endorsedc.html.

Check out www.cardiosmart.com, the ACC Foundation’s new trusted web resource for your patients. You can be confident that all the posted material on the site has been reviewed by FCACC members. Your patients can find information about their condition and can interact with others.

Sign up to attend the Perspectives on new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques sponsored by Foundation of the Florida Chapter and the ACC Foundation, Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel.

Everyone talks about the need for health care reform—add your voice to the mix by finding out what aCC is doing. Review http://qualityfirst.acc.org/Pages/default_new.aspx and contact the chapter at [email protected] with your ideas.

Mark your office and family calendar for the Florida Chapter aCC annual Meeting, aug. 21-23 at disney’s Boardwalk inn. Along with clinical informa-tion, the chapter meeting agenda includes reimbursement strategies and politi-cal insights that you can’t get at any other meeting.

Don’t search for how to contribute...just flip to “Join the Conversation” in each issue of FCN. The last page of Florida Chapter News highlights specific actions each member may take to increase clinical competence, enhance business acumen or develop political activism. Take a few moments to take action for your profession, for your patients and for your chapter.

3208 East Colonial DriveSuite 264Orlando, FL 32803

The Foundation of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology In cosponsorship with the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine,University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FLand the American College of Cardiology Foundation

Present

PerspectivesPerspectivesOn New Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Techniques in Clinical Cardiology

T H E 2 8 T H A N N U A L

January 30 - February 1, 2009

Disneyc

Disneyc

Disney’s ContemporaryConvention Center

Walt Disney World® Resort

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Program Director

C. Richard Conti, MD, MACC

Program Co-director

Jamie B. Conti, MD, FACC

Earn ContinuingEducation Credits!

13 CME hours

CEU credit pending

(submitted to the Florida Board of Nursing for approval of 13 hours)

Perspective08ad 10/23/08 8:20 AM Page 1

connecting cardiology in the sunshine state · connecting cardiology in the sunshine state our...

Documents