October 2006 | Vol. 24, No. 10

President's Message

by Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT

SVU Keeping to the Mission

As SVU moves towards the end of 2006, we have kept a steady course in adhering to our Mission Statement -- “To represent the best interests of SVU members, promote quality vascular services by providing educational, scientific and literary activities to our members, patients and the public.”

In representing the best interests of SVU members, we continue to carefully monitor the pending changes in Medicare reimbursement for vascular ultrasound. In September, SVU Government Relations Chair Bill Schroedter provided an update on the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). Since February, SVU has been working actively on both legislative and regulatory solutions regarding the proposed DRA reductions that we feel may not be survivable for some providers. Many of our loyal members have asked what they can do to help assist us in fighting these cuts. There has been legislation -- “The Access to Medical Imaging Act” -- introduced in both the House (H.R. 5704) and Senate (S. 3795) that would delay implementation of this law. Both bills are strongly supported by the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC), of which SVU is an active participant. The AMIC represents more than 75,000 physicians, providers and patients, as well as medical imaging manufacturers.

Timing being a critical factor, Bill provided information to our members on how they could participate in contacting their state U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators to voice their concerns about the pending DRA cuts, and ask them to support the bills being introduced. To date, almost 300 personals letters have been sent by SVU members to 44 U.S. Representatives and 32 U.S. Senators in 19 states. More letters are needed. If you have not yet sent a personal letter to your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators from your state, please do so now! As of 9/27/06, there are 116 cosponsors of HR 5704 and 16 cosponsors of S. 3795.

The SVU Advocacy News page on the SVU website (www.svunet.org) has important information for members and non-members and is kept up to date. As we have previously stated, a large portion of SVU’s budget is dedicated to regulatory and legislative advocacy on behalf of our members. SVU has established itself as a strong voice on Capitol Hill and with CMS on behalf of its members and will continue to do so.

In promoting quality vascular services through educational, scientific and literary activities, SVU is proud to be recently voted #18 in RT Image magazine’s list of the 25 most influential in Radiology. I would like to share with you the statement related to SVU in the 9/11/06 issue.

18. Society for Vascular Ultrasound

Educator and Advocate

“Although the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) does not share the same methods as its pop culture namesake, Law and Order’s Special Victims Unit (SVU), they have a very similar altruistic purpose. This year SVU has maintained a serious commitment to its two main principles: providing educational opportunities to those who wish to expand their knowledge of vascular imaging, and offering legislative advocacy on behalf of the profession. SVU provides strong educational opportunities to professionals seeking more knowledge in the radiologic field through courses and their annual journal, Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, which publishes scientific articles and case reports.”

I believe that this recognition is important in many aspects. SVU’s membership numbers may not be equal to other ultrasound organizations, but numbers do not define success, it is the commitment of the Society’s staff and members that achieve the goal and define the course of action. My thanks to the members and staff that helped SVU achieve this recognition.

Educational opportunities being another focus of our Society, Meetings Chair Tish Poe and her Committee have been busy this year with providing educational opportunities to members and non-members in the areas of vascular interpretation, and review courses for physicians taking the new RPVI exam. In addition, 2007 Annual Conference Chair Paula Heggerick and her Committee are planning for our 30th Annual Conference and anniversary celebration in Baltimore, MD, June 7-9, 2007. Plan now to attend this important event to benefit from timely topics and celebrate where we started and what we have become.

In assisting with public awareness and patient education, SVU is a participant in Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month (MUAM), which occurs in October in conjunction with other ultrasound societies, and in the multi-year “Stay in Circulation” national public awareness campaign regarding peripheral arterial disease. The campaign, which is sponsored by the P.A.D. Coalition, of which SVU is a charter member, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, kicked off with “Stay in Circulation Week,” which occurred September 18-22, 2006. SVU also has updated our Patient Education Guides, which assist the patient in understanding their vascular disease.

The SVU website, quarterly JVU magazine, and monthly e-Spectrum newsletter are valuable tools in providing information and education to members and non-members. SVU staff, committee chairs and members have worked hard to provide these tools. I appreciate their ongoing efforts on behalf of the membership. Membership to SVU is of value, and I urge you to continue your membership and encourage those who are not members to be part of an organization of passionate commitment to the vascular ultrasound profession.

I am energized by the ongoing commitment to preserve this specialized field and the recognition that we have attained, and look forward to future opportunities to continue to serve our Mission. Your comments are welcome.

My best to all.