Health Policy and Advocacy

This chapter provides definitions of legislature and regulatory bodies and provides a nice summary of how policies that affect healthcare are designed and brought to fruition as law. It also discusses the importance of understanding the advocacy process, where the physician fits in, and how we as providers can start advocating to lawmakers for our own professional success as well as to benefit out patients. Listed in the chapter are important and key talking points for surgeons who are ready to begin conversations with those in control of changing healthcare policies. A variety of resources are discussed throughout the chapter which will make advocacy efforts more successful.