Setting the Pace for Advocacy
Heart Rhythm Advocates builds on the deep roots and strong infrastructure of the Heart Rhtyhm Society
Advocacy History
1982
First Policy Conference.
Position paper written and published in PACE. First Fellowship awarded
1992
Washington Report established.
Mini-courses added to Annual Scientific Sessions
1995
NASPE opens satellite office
in Washington, DC to better address advocating for physicians
1999
Public Awareness Campaign is launched. Establishment of a Benevolent Fund
2002
Formal commencement of "Focus on the Future" campaign. Strategic Plan and New Mission approved.
2003
Standards of professional practice for allied professionals in pacing and electrophysiology published; repositioning of NASPE to HRS
2004
Headquarters moves to Washington, DC. Heart Rhythm Foundation is established to be better connected to government agencies and legislators.
2005
Heart Rhythm Foundation Public Awareness Programs on Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Atrial Fibrillation launched in strategic locations.
2006
Device Performance Policies and Guidelines developed and released by the Society and adopted by the field
2007
Launch of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition to raise awareness on Capitol Hill. ICD Registry™ First Quality Outcomes Reports released to 1448 hospitals.
2008
The Longitudinal ICD Registry study design to evaluate device firing approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
2009
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month Concurrent Resolution passed by Congress.
Created a new coding structure for device monitoring services, including 20 new implantable device codes and three new wearable device codes.
2010
Influenced CMS to reverse National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) that prohibited billing the professional component of a 90-day remote monitoring period
Created a new coding structure for device monitoring services, including 20 new implantable device codes and 3 new wearable device codes.
2011
Designated electrophysiology as a unique physician specialty by CMS. Provided input to CMS on proposed changes to reimbursement policies and coverage determinations that impact access to life-saving therapies.
2012
Unveiled the Atrial Fibrillation “A-Fib Feels Like” Campaign, including public service announcement (PSA). Distributed nearly 500 Atrial Fibrillation Resource Kits, 200 “AFib Feels Like” PSAs, and 200 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Resource Kits.
2015
New Category I CPT codes created for subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD) coding and billing.
2016
New CMS National Coverage Determination (NCD) created for coverage of left atrial appendage closure.
2019
New CPT codes created for leadless pacemaker.
2021
Launched a grassroots communication and lobbying effort opposing draconian CMS cuts to ablation codes.
2023
Joined the Smart Heart Sports Coalition with the NFL and other organizations to advocate for all 50 states to adopt evidence-based policies that will help prevent fatal outcomes from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) among high school students.
2024
Worked to ensure effective PFA coverage with Aetna and Cigna.
2024
Established the Heart Rhythm Advocates organization to focus on influencing policy that impacts arrhythmia patients and EPs
2024
Implemented a grassroots letter writing system to automate the ability to send letters to congress. The system was used to influence unanimous passage of the HEARTS act in December 2024