AIS Partners with Mercury to Champion Advocacy for Electrophysiologists
The Arrhythmia Intervention Society (AIS) is excited to announce our engagement with Mercury, a renowned bipartisan public affairs and strategic communications firm, to lead our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. This partnership marks a pivotal step forward in amplifying our voice and addressing the key challenges that affect electrophysiologists and their ability to provide quality patient care.
Advocacy for the Future of Electrophysiology
Electrophysiologists play a vital role in managing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders. Yet, the field is grappling with diminishing reimbursement rates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and restrictions on performing procedures in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). This has made it increasingly difficult for practitioners to sustain their practices and for patients to access timely, effective care. AIS was established to confront these challenges head-on and advocate for policies that support innovation and improve patient outcomes.
With Mercury on board, AIS will have a powerful partner to help navigate these complexities and drive meaningful change. Mercury’s team of experts will focus on:
Fighting for Fair Reimbursement: Advocacy efforts will target sustainable reimbursement structures that accurately reflect the complexity and value of electrophysiology procedures.
Expanding Access to ASCs: AIS will advocate for policy changes that allow more electrophysiology procedures to be performed in ambulatory surgery centers. This can reduce patients' costs and increase access to specialized care.
Securing Federal Support for Research: Increased federal investment in arrhythmia research is critical to developing new treatments and technologies.
Promoting New Technologies: AIS aims to ensure that advanced treatments, such as conduction system pacing and remote monitoring, receive the policy support necessary to expand their availability.
Mercury’s Expertise and Proven Track Record
Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan government relations and strategic communications firm known for delivering results in challenging environments. With a strong presence in critical locations such as Springfield, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., their team of 130+ experts brings together former Members of Congress, federal and state policymakers, and senior staffers who maintain trusted relationships with decision-makers across the legislative and executive branches.
Founded in 1999, Mercury has a proven history of successful advocacy for some of the world’s most prominent companies, trade associations, and advocacy groups. Their capabilities include:
Multi-state campaigns
Government Relations
Crisis and issue communications
Public affairs management
Media relations
Digital advocacy
Think tank engagement
Mercury’s bipartisan team collaborates to develop comprehensive engagement strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a partner at Mercury, leads the firm’s operations in Illinois, leveraging her extensive experience in politics, healthcare, and communications to guide impactful advocacy initiatives.
AISPAC: Supporting Our Legislative Agenda
In parallel with our work with Mercury, AIS has established the Arrhythmia Intervention Society Political Action Committee (AIS-PAC). AIS-PAC will serve as our organization's advocacy arm, driving initiatives to shape the policies that govern electrophysiology practice. Together, AIS and AISPAC are committed to elevating the issues that matter most to our field, building strong coalitions, and ensuring that the voices of electrophysiologists are heard.
With Mercury’s strategic guidance and AISPAC’s focused advocacy, AIS is well-positioned to champion the future of electrophysiology and secure a policy environment that allows our specialty to thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advocate for a better future for electrophysiologists and the patients they serve.
