Coalition of State Rheumatological Organizations Forms
Last June, Leadership and representatives from nine state societies joined to form the Coalition of State Rheumatological Organizations (CSRO). Spurred by AWP reform, members saw a need to promote the formation of strong state or regional rheumatology societies.
The CSRO incorporated in August. In less than one year it has assisted in the formation of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas-Houston state societies. It has helped Ohio reactivate its society and moved Louisiana-New Orleans to become stronger and more active advocates.
The coalition will serve as a network between state societies to share issues regarding access to rheumatological care. CSRO President Gregory Schimizzi representing North Carolina Rheumatology Association suggested that the agile, grass roots nature of the CSRO network will assure rapid response to policy issues in private insurance coverage as well as Medicare. Also, it will provide education for the entire rheumatology community. The coalition was designed to supplement the activities of the ACR without supplanting it, said Schimizzi.
ORA supports the efforts of all the like-minded rheumatology patient advocacy groups and looks forward to interaction with them.
On May 15, 2004, the CSRO hosted its first official Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC which included speakers from Congressional staff and CMS. Available attendees visited legislators the following Monday.
Thanks to Dr Paul Hudson who attended this meeting, representing ORA. He is available to provide details from the meeting.
###