Welcome to the Chicago Medical Society

A VOICE FOR physician empowerment, the Chicago Medical Society is one of the largest and most active county medical societies in the nation. And there has never been a more critical time to be a member of CMS and the Illinois State Medical Society. When you join, you become part of a dedicated network of physicians who are working to achieve a unified front and fight against unfair reimbursement practices, scope of practice encroachments, restrictions on physician autonomy and the erosion of valuable legislation that protects physician practices. CMS and ISMS can enhance your practice, improve your bottom line, and protect your autonomy.

As a member you have access to the wealth of resources our organizations offer as well as access to the expertise of their staff. CMS and ISMS offer you the opportunity to learn about trends in the practice of medicine through committee participation, policy development, educational seminars, and publications. When you join, you benefit from the following:

• Legislative advocacy
• Reimbursement advocacy and assistance
• Monthly issues of Chicago Medicine magazine
• Educational events, webinars, and CME
• Partnerships and discounts
• Visibility in the community and with patients • Access to networks of peer physicians
• Valuable resources on topics ranging from practice management to legal issues

Legislative Advocacy
One of the main ways your membership protects physician rights is through CMS’ strong legislative programs, which build productive relationships with lawmakers and other decision-makers. We work through the ISMS and AMA to advance bills and stop harmful measures in their tracks. Thanks to CMS physicians, Illinois enacted a narrow network reform law in 2017.

Proposing Legislation
CMS provides a launching pad for physician and patient protection initiatives. Against a rapidly changing health care landscape, lawmakers are making complex decisions about funding, technology, reimbursement, regulation, and public health, among other areas. Physicians have the unique perspective and insight to advise elected officials, explaining how specific legislation will positively or adversely affect the medical profession, patients, and daily practice. Lawmakers often seek our knowledge on technical issues.

Relationships with Legislators
CMS engages lawmakers on a regular basis. At multiple levels—in the Chicago City Council, Cook County Government, and even the U.S. Congress— we provide testimony and shape public policy on behalf of physicians and patients. In Washington, DC, we make legislative rounds each year on members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. Our outreach is supplemented by ongoing talks with lawmakers in their local Chicago-area offices, and by hosting key legislators at CMS events, allowing members to interact with their representatives in person. We relay your concerns, proposing solutions on health care delivery, graduate medical education, Medicare and Medicaid, medical liability, and workforce issues.

Key Contacts Program
CMS makes it easy for members to commit themselves to the advocacy process. Through our Key Contacts program, CMS trains volunteers to form meaningful connections with their lawmaker or candidate for elected office. The program is flexible, accommodating your busy schedule.

Grassroots Advocacy Center
The CMS website informs members of new and pending legislation. It provides contact information, links, sample letters, and guidance on communicating effectively.

Authoring Resolutions
The resolutions members submit to the CMS Council shape the objectives set by the ISMS House of Delegates at its annual meeting. ISMS works directly with the Illinois General Assembly to introduce and influence legislation promoting and protecting medical practice and physicians.

Learning Opportunities
CMS offers myriad opportunities for professional education. We partner with the Health Law Section of the American Bar Association to bring you the Physician Legal Issues Conference each year. The two-day conference focuses on helping physicians thrive in a changing practice environment. Recent sessions have addressed physician employment and hospital collaboration; payer consolidation and reimbursement; regulatory issues, and more.

Throughout the year, CMS offers CME lectures and seminars. Your membership lets you focus on what’s really important: providing exceptional care to your patients.

To learn more, please call 312-670-2550 or go to: www.cmsdocs.org.