How We Got Our Practice to Give $ to RADPAC
by Dale Shaw, MD
I am a partner in Charlotte Radiology, a group practice in Charlotte, NC. For years, the radiologists in our practice and radiologists throughout the state of North Carolina have been politically active. In fact, radiologists in North Carolina have teamed up to become one of the most powerful political action committees (PACs) in our state. My practice's radiologists have 100% participation in our state PAC.
When Arl Van Moore, Jr, MD, took over as chair of RADPAC in May 2004, he and I decided to set a goal of having 100% of the 60 radiologists in our practice contribute to RADPAC as well. After setting our goal, he asked me to spearhead the effort. We identified 3 keys to get the buy-in of our radiologists: 1) make the "ask"; 2) tell them why it is important; and 3) make it easy.
First, I made a presentation about RADPAC during one of our quarterly board meetings and told our radiologists about our goal of 100% contribution participation in RADPAC. I asked for volunteers for an ad hoc committee to discuss the issue with each radiologist, to try to reach a consensus about participation and the amount we should contribute. At the next board meeting, we had a short discussion and reached a consensus that we should move forward.
The second key was describing to our radiologists why contributing to RADPAC was important to them. With Congress likely to address issues affecting radiology such as physician reimbursement; medical liability; reauthorization of the Mammography Quality Standards Act; and controlling the overutilization of imaging, it is critical for the profession of radiology to have its voice heard on Capitol Hill. Each of us works hard to provide quality medical services, and we cannot allow radiology to be a victim of the political process. By supporting RADPAC, we all become an active advocate for our patients, ourselves and our profession.
The third key was making it easy. This was especially important to do given the busy schedules that all of us have. We provided the RADPAC contribution form to each radiologist and sent the form with each follow-up reminder. We stressed the convenience of periodic contributions where a certain amount of money is charged each month to a credit card. We asked that nonpartners contribute $25 a month ($300 a year) and that partners contribute $42 a month ($500 a year).
With about 45 partners and 15 nonpartners, 100% participation would total approximately $27,000 in contributions to RADPAC in 1 year! This is a significant amount of money to come from one practice … and think how much more money could be raised for RADPAC if other group practices throughout the country did the same.
After several months, we are pleased with our progress toward achieving our goal, but we still have a ways to go. Of the 60 radiologists in our practice, currently 40 contribute to RADPAC. I am certain that we will get even closer to our goal of 100% participation.
Some wonder why RADPAC needs so much money, while others wonder what results come from the money that RADPAC raises and spends. Politics is not only a competitive process, it is an expensive one. With so many organizations going to Capitol Hill fighting for their profession's livelihood, the ACRa and RADPAC must do the same. The money that RADPAC raises and spends goes toward fundraising events for members of Congress. At these events, ACRa members and staff get access to congressmen to discuss the legislative issues important to our profession. RADPAC truly is the voice for the profession of radiology and I urge all of you to consider asking your colleagues to support RADPAC.