The purpose of the Chapter is to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and to ensure optimal quality of care for individuals with such diseases. In carrying out these purposes, the Chapter functions, in consultation with the leadership of the College, as a source of advice to local and state governmental and professional organizations concerning issues related to cardiovascular disease. The Chapter, in the interest of patients, physicians, and the public in general, maintains a high level of social consciousness and involvement with socioeconomic factors and access to the highest possible quality of cardiovascular health care. Campaign for Patient Access Click here to see what you can do! State Of Cardiology in Arizona – January 2010 In a recent survey, 37% of Arizona members were in small groups under 15 Cardiologists; 22% in private practice, 26% in a health system, and 15% in a group larger than 16. Medicare patients make up greater than 60% of the average practice. Understandably, the membership is shocked, disheartened, and disgusted about the CMS rule. Their common thought is that the system is faulty. Cardiologists have given a boost to the community with improved outcomes and yet they are being penalized for doing a great job. One member opines: “How am I going to explain the concept of reward and punishment to my children? Do a good job at school and I will take the ipod away from you?” Fully 65% of our membership is expectin g to reduce the size of their staff this year. Other measures commonly being instituted are: cash only, offering fewer procedures, closing satellite offices, retirement, more referrals to hospitals, discontinuing several procedures, etc. With AZ ACC members working long hours it is often difficult for them to attend education events (40% work 45-60 hours each week, and 42% over 61 hours each week). That is why the chapter has made great stride this year in increasing professionalism and opportunities for CME education throughout the state. We have held more than four CME events in the last 4 months, with plans for another 6 early this year. Members are happy to have education offered locally, and since 70% of our membership is located in just two metropolitan areas, the smaller locations are thrilled to have the AZ ACC “on their doorstep”. When it comes to healthcare reform, most members agree that it is desperately needed, but will hurt individual physicians and be a huge financial burden on the country. Many members think that failure to reform responsibly will only exacerbate a bad situation and make the upcoming physician shortage worse, in turn resulting in dire patient access times, particularly in rural areas. Indeed, in Arizona, we have a huge workforce problem for both physicians and nurses. Although most AZ ACC members love their jobs and are planning to remain in the model they currently operate in (with changes) one opinion seems to summarize the state of Cardiology in Arizona today: “More work, less income, less time for patients, more inept regulations, less job satisfaction: any question?” Arizona members are quite proud of the ACC “fighting the good fight” and representing them well, although some wish we were even more aggressive in our response to the CMS and Federal government.