Advocacy

Capitol building at sunset.

ACOFP's Health Policy Priorities

Advocating for Osteopathic Family Physicians

Download our priorities

Advocating for essential reforms for primary care

ACOFP advocates for changes in government that are imperative for primary care physicians to meet expanding healthcare needs. Improved payment, use of primary care first instead of specialists, improved chronic care and behavioral health programs, reduced cost of medications, improved interoperability with EMR systems, and reduced paperwork and quality reporting burdens are some of the issues of great importance to ACOFP members.

ACOFP's 2024 Health Policy Priorities

Reduce Unnecessary Paperwork Requirements Preserve the Family Medicine Model of Care Address the Family Physician Shortage Improve Outcomes and Reduce Costs Through Primary Care and Support for Family Physicians Focus on Vulnerable Populations and Address Racial Disparities Encourage the Appropriate Use of Telehealth Address the Opioid Crisis

Meet Our Partners

ACOFP consults with Alston & Bird, a leading law and policy firm, to communicate our strategic policy goals to the administration, Congress, government agencies, and local representatives. This collaboration enhances our ability to effectively advocate for essential reforms, including:

  • Improved payment models.
  • Better chronic care and behavioral health programs.
  • Reduced administrative burdens.

Through these efforts, we aim to shape a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs of primary care physicians and their patients.

Empty Congress room.
Delegates meeting

Access ACOFP's comment letters

ACOFP actively engages in advocacy by submitting comment letters, letters of support, or joint sign-on letters on critical issues to key government entities on a national level. 

These entities include:

  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • Congress

Through these letters, ACOFP provides expert insights and recommendations aimed at influencing policy decisions that impact the practice of family medicine.

Our goal

Ensure that the voices of osteopathic family physicians are heard and considered in the development of regulations and legislation that affect healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This proactive approach helps to shape a healthcare system that supports the needs of both providers and patients.

Make a Difference: Get Involved

Getting involved with ACOFP advocacy efforts is a rewarding way to make an impact on the healthcare system. Members can participate by

  • Joining the Federal Legislation and Advocacy Committee.
  • Attending legislative events, such as DO Day.
  • Contributing content to provoke policy discussions through the DO.fm podcast or ACOFP Voice blog.

By engaging in these activities, you can help shape policies that support osteopathic family physicians and improve patient care. Stay informed about upcoming advocacy opportunities through the ACOFP website and newsletters, and join your colleagues in making a difference.

Questions? Contact advocacy@acofp.org.