JOIN IMPACT

Too many physicians sit on the sidelines while a select few carry the burden for all. In 2008 only 758 of more than 7,500 TMA members joined IMPACT. These numbers are not going to make organized medicine a winning team at the end of day. The question that all physicians should ask themselves is not how can I afford to join, but rather how can I afford not to join? Each year, TMA lobbyists work with IMPACT-supported legislators to defeat bills that may prove very costly to the profession, such as a gross receipts tax on physician services. TMA must also work with these legislators to protect the medical profession and the quality of health care in Tennessee by fighting independent practice of nurses, expansion of chiropractic services beyond their level of training or the ability of psychologists to prescribe drugs. Further, TMA battles the insurance industry each year with our friends in the legislature to pass effective laws addressing issues such as fairness and transparency in contracting, prompt payment of claims, credentialing issues, recoupment time limits and fee disclosure in provider contracts. TMA worked diligently for several years to pass partial Medical Liability Reform in 2008, the first time the General Assembly has addressed this issue in more than three decades, that led to a nearly 70% reduction in medical malpractice claims being filed in the first six months after the effective date of the new law. These actions alone are well worth the cost of joining IMPACT! Membership is only $300 per year. The Capitol Hill Club, the premium membership level, is $1,000 per year. Both levels of contribution can be placed on a credit card and paid over a number of months. If you are not an IMPACT member, support your profession and join now! If you are a member, recruit a co-worker or other physician or upgrade to the Capitol Hill Club. How can you afford not to join? IMPACT does not accept corporate contributions.