ASDSA AdvocacyMembers OnlyASDSA Congressional Meeting Resources

ASDSA Resources for Your Congressional Meeting

Contact your legislators to oppose cuts to Medicare physician payments. Congress needs to hear directly from dermatologic surgeons about what these proposed cuts could mean for their practices and patients. Use the resources below to schedule, prepare for and follow up on a meeting with your members of Congress and urge them to work with CMS to reverse these cuts.

 

The ASDS/A Health Policy Fellow has developed a new resource, Medicare Beneficiaries in Key Congressional Committee Districts, to identify how many Medicare patients are in your congressional district.

1. Schedule Your Meeting

Visit Find Your Member of Congress to identify your Representative and Senators. Visit your legislator's website and use the "Contact" section to call their district office or submit a meeting request.

When requesting a meeting, introduce yourself as a constituent and ASDS member, briefly share information about yourself and your practice, explain what you would like to discuss and suggest at least two dates and times.

If you do not receive a response within three business days, follow up by phone. You may need to follow up multiple times.

Use ASDSA's Sample Email Template or How to Request a Meeting video for additional help.

You may also invite your member of Congress to visit your practice. A practice visit is an opportunity to show your legislator the care you provide and discuss issues affecting dermatologic surgery and your patients.

2. Prepare for Your Meeting
  • Review the current Medicare advocacy materials and key messages.
  • Be ready to briefly share how the proposed Medicare cuts could affect your patients and practice.
  • Look up your legislator's background and involvement with the issue.
  • Confirm the meeting time and location.
  • Have relevant talking points and leave-behind materials ready.
3. During the Meeting
  • Stay focused on the proposed Medicare physician payment cuts and their impact on patient access to dermatologic care.
  • Share how the proposed Medicare cuts could affect your practice and your patients. Highlight the local impact, including the Medicare patients you serve and the staff your practice employs. Use the Medicare beneficiary data provided above to help demonstrate the impact in your congressional district.
  • Clearly state the asks: urge your legislator to work directly with CMS to:
    • Withdraw the proposed 50% payment reduction for same-day services appropriately reported with Modifier 25.
    • Pause the proposed practice expense changes until CMS incorporates meaningful physician input and prevents major payment shifts across specialties.
  • Don't discuss campaign contributions or share if you voted for their opponent.
  • Ask for a photo with your member of Congress or the staff member you meet with.
  • Request contact information for follow-up.
4. After the Meeting
  • Send a thank-you email and offer to be a resource.
  • Provide any additional information requested during the meeting.
  • Share your meeting outcome and photo with ASDSA at advocacy@asds.net.
  • Post your photo on social media and tag @ASDSAdvocacy.

Have questions or need assistance? Email advocacy@asds.net.

Additional Resources