Twenty-First Century Pathologists' Advocacy.

Area of Science:

• Medical Professionalism
• Health Policy
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Pathologists' advocacy is essential for enhancing patient care quality and safety.
• Professional advancement in pathology relies on active advocacy efforts.
• Financial considerations, including payment structures, are integral to successful advocacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the critical need for pathologists' involvement in advocacy.
• To highlight the impact of recent legislation on the pathology field.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding issues like balance billing.

Main Methods:

• Review of key legislative impacts on pathology.
• Analysis of current challenges facing the profession.
• Discussion of the role of academic pathologists in advocacy education.

Main Results:

• The Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) and the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA) represent significant legislative events.
• Balance billing is a critical issue with widespread implications that requires greater pathologist understanding.
• Advocacy is an indispensable component of professional responsibility for all pathologists.

Conclusions:

• Pathologists at all career stages must participate in advocacy efforts.
• Academic pathologists have a duty to educate residents on the value and necessity of advocacy.
• Proactive engagement in advocacy is vital for the future of pathology and patient care.