September 2024 Advocacy Champion

Michael J. Rigby, MD, PhD

Neurology Resident Physician, PGY-3
Mayo Clinic

1) Why is being an advocate so important to you?
The majority of the determinants of health lie outside of the physician’s office and hospital. Advocacy is a way to impact these determinants of health in a positive way to influence local, state, and national policy, and these efforts are often far-reaching beyond the patients I will personally encounter.

2) What health-care related issue(s) have you advocated for over the past year?
In line with one of the legislative priorities of the MMA in the past year, I have been engaged in expanding certain exceptions for prior authorization in order to avoid delays in medical care. For example, waiting for prior authorization and approval for inpatient rehabilitation can often delay patient discharge from the hospital, and there is a need for additional restrictions/requirements in order to expedite insurance review of these cases for prompt decision on the patient’s disposition.

3) What advice would you offer to others who are interested in advocacy?
Keep your eyes and ears open in your daily practice, and when something does not seem “right,” take a closer look. For example, if a patient’s medical care was delayed or if you find yourself frustrated with the system, jot this example down and talk with your colleagues about it. You may not be the person who eventually gets the ball rolling on change, but you are critical in calling attention to issues that arise in your practice.