Call for innovative payment models! Your ACC, in partnership with the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) and with sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson, is creating a first-of-its-kind "Community on Payment Innovations" with the goal of providing an interactive, online venue where cardiovascular professionals and others can engage in meaningful dialogue to advance current and innovative payment models. The community will feature, among other things, case studies, videos, webinars and hot topic discussions. While an editorial panel of experts is already in place and developing venerable content and identifying discussion topics, the College is also seeking expert advice from members currently involved with testing and/or implementing new payment models. The goal is to use these "case studies" as the basis for discussion when the community launches in September. Submissions should be sent to advocate@acc.org with "Payment Models" in the subject line. For a primer on current and emerging payment models, read the ACC's new white paper on the topic.

The Payment Community's launch coincides with this year's Legislative Conference, Sept. 11-13 in Washington, DC. The community's editor-in-chief and noted health care economist, Len Nichols, PhD, will deliver a keynote address focused on the payment reform landscape. In addition to Nichols, the Legislative Conference agenda is shaping up to include key Congressional staff and regulatory policymakers. General Stanley McChrystal also will address participants on the subject of leadership during Sunday night's dinner to benefit the ACC Political Action Committee (PAC). Conference registration closes on Aug. 5. For more information, click here.

Are you prepared for the ICD-10 transition? The ACC's PINNACLE Network is hosting a special webinar next week (July 26) to help cardiovascular professionals prepare for the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 codes. The Webinar, which will be held from 4-5 p.m. (ET), will feature Debra Mariani from the ACC's Regulatory Affairs Team and will provide an overview of the transition timeline and what is needed to prepare. Registration is still open. The next PINNACLE Network webinar will be held on Sept. 6 and focus on Electronic Health Record (EHR) selection. More information is coming soon.

Medical imaging services are under attack again! The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recently reported that advanced imaging services in Medicare grew only 0.1 percent between 2008 and 2009. Despite this evidence, imaging-related cuts are being actively considered this week as lawmakers scramble to craft a deal to reduce the deficit and raise the debt ceiling. It is critical that all ACC members contact their lawmakers today and urge them to oppose further cuts to medical imaging services. Let them know that continued reductions in medical imaging services will negatively impact Medicare beneficiaries' access to high-quality and appropriate imaging and result in the disruption of integrated patient-centered care. Call your member of Congress now at (202) 224-3121.

In case you missed it, ACC CEO Jack Lewin, MD, testified for the College at a key House Committee hearing last week on the controversial Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) concept that was included in the health reform law last year.