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Legislative Affairs

The Washington Committee develops and promotes organized neurosurgery’s positions on issues affecting the specialty. Through advocacy, policy development, and public relations, the Washington Committee and the Washington Office work vociferously to defend and protect the ability of neurosurgeons to practice medicine freely—and to help ensure the continued advancement of the specialty of neurological surgery.

Organized neurosurgery has played a fundamental role in a number of health policy developments, including repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), pushing for medical-liability reform, advocating for adequate reimbursement, streamlining quality-improvement initiatives, and ensuring the preeminence of quality in neurosurgical education and training.

Learn more about the Washington Office.

2021 Neurosurgery Legislative and Regulatory Agenda

MACRA Implementation Update (prepared by Hart Health Strategies) 2017

Neurosurgery’s 2020 Legislative Priorities and Accomplishments 1.28.21

COVID-19 Resources

Hart Health Strategies prepared a series of documents which may help answer questions as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this information is helpful as you navigates through this time.

Key Resources

Health Care Workers on the Front Lines

Personal Protective Equipment

Disaster Primer

State Resources

COVID-19 Testing

Federal Relief Overview

Small Business Resources

Telehealth Overview

COVID-19 Vaccine

Additional Resources

American Academy of Neurology

Recent Activities

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Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on HHS Primary Care Initiative 08.01.22

Aug 01, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians across 15 specialty and subspecialty societies.

AANS and CNS Comment on Primary Care RFI 08.01.22

Aug 01, 2022
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we appreciate the opportunity to respond to the above referenced OASH RFI on primary health care.

Neurosurgery Supports GOLD CARD Prior Auth Bill 07.28.22

Jul 28, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine writes to express support for your legislation, the Getting Over Lengthy Delays in Care As Required by Doctors (GOLD CARD) Act of 2022 (H.R. 7995).

Neurosurgery Applauds Committee Action on Prior Auth Legislation 07.27.22

Jul 27, 2022
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) applauded the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, as amended (H.R 8487) out of committee.

Neurosurgery-Led Coalition Prior Auth Press Release 07.27.22

Jul 27, 2022
The Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) — a group of national physician specialty organizations advocating for reduced regulatory burdens that interfere with patient care — strongly applauds the House Committee on Ways and Means and thanks its leadership, Chair Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), for advancing the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Urging Congress to Stop Steep Medicare Cuts 07.27.22

Jul 27, 2022
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing over one million physician and non-physician health care professionals and providers, we appreciate Congress’ 2021 year-end legislative action to mitigate scheduled cuts generated by changes within the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

Neurosurgeons Urge House Committee to Advance Prior Authorization Legislation 07.26.22

Jul 26, 2022
On behalf of the Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) — a group of national physician specialty organizations advocating for reduced regulatory burdens that interfere with patient care — we are pleased to support the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, as amended.

Summary of the Proposed 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Jul 26, 2022
On July 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2023 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies [CMS-1770-P] Proposed Rule. CMS shows the impact of the provisions of the rule to be a zero percent change for neurosurgery.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund Additional GME Slots 07.18.22

Jul 18, 2022
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, the undersigned groups urge you to build upon the historic investment in the health care workforce in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and in particular GME, as you consider the upcoming budget reconciliation legislation.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Address Medical Student Debt 07.15.22

Jul 15, 2022
On behalf of our organizations, we call on Congress to address high student loan debt levels facing many borrowers, including physicians and dentists, and urge Congress to consider the “Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act” (S 3658/HR 4122) among the potential legislative solutions.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Urging Congress to Explore the Problem of Long COVID 07.14.22

Jul 14, 2022
The undersigned organizations, representing millions of patients that have been or will be affected by “Long COVID”, i.e. post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), and the physicians who care for them, urge Congress to explore this growing issue.

Neurosurgery-Led Coalition Calls on House Committee to Advance Prior Auth Legislation 06.27.22

Jun 27, 2022
The Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) — a group of national physician specialty organizations advocating for regulatory burden reduction in Medicare so that physicians can spend more time treating patients — applauds the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the for holding the hearing “Protecting America’s Seniors: Oversight of Private Sector Medicare Advantage Plans.”

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Urging Congress to Approve Prior Auth Legislation 06.27.22

Jun 27, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine writes to thank you for examining Medicare Advantage (MA) plans during the upcoming hearing “Protecting America’s Seniors: Oversight of Private Sector Medicare Advantage Plans.”

Neurosurgery Urges Action on Prior Authorization 06.27.22

Jun 27, 2022
The Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC) — a group of national physician specialty organizations advocating for regulatory burden reduction in Medicare so that physicians can spend more time treating patients — applauds the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the for holding the hearing “Protecting America’s Seniors: Oversight of Private Sector Medicare Advantage Plans.”

Neurosurgeons Praise Congress for Passing Gun Safety Legislation

Jun 24, 2022
Groups hail the measure as a crucial step in saving lives from tragic firearm deaths.

Neurosurgery Comments on FY 2023 Proposed Medicare Hospital IPPS Payment 06.14.22

Jun 14, 2022
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above-referenced CMS hospital inpatient prospective payment system proposed rule.

Neurosurgery Issues Position Statement on Prior Auth Imaging Requirements 06.07.22

Jun 07, 2022
Prior authorization is an administrative process requiring physicians to obtain pre-approval for medical treatments or tests before rendering this care to their patients.

Neurosurgery Comments on NASS Draft Coverage Policy for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation 06.01.22

Jun 01, 2022
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (DSPN), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) draft model coverage policy recommendation for basivertebral nerve ablation.

Neurosurgery Urges CMS to Ban Step Therapy in Medicare 06.01.22

Jun 01, 2022
The undersigned organizations, representing millions of Medicare beneficiaries with life-threatening, complex, chronic conditions and/or the physicians who care for them, are asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans continue to have appropriate and timely access to the therapies they need to properly manage their conditions.

AANS and CNS Announce Endorsement of Medicare Payment Reform Principles 05.31.22

May 31, 2022
Washington, DC—The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) endorsed principles for reforming the Medicare physician payment system.

Neurosurgery Announces New Medicare Principles 05.25.22

May 25, 2022
Simplicity, relevance, alignment, and predictability, for physician practices and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Neurosurgery Joins Trauma Coalition in Urging Funding for MISSION ZERO Program 05.22.22

May 22, 2022
We are contacting you today to respectfully request that the Subcommittee include $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant program in the FY22 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Urges CMS to Reassess AUC Program 05.18.22

May 18, 2022
The report accompanying the House-passed fiscal year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill includes language requesting a report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the implementation of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program, including program challenges and successes.

Neurosurgery Raises Concern with Consolidation of PBMs

May 17, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is deeply committed to improving access to specialty medical care through the advancement of sound health policy.

Neurosurgery Asks Congress to Fund Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program 05.17.22

May 17, 2022
On behalf of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents, we write to thank you for the inclusion of first-time funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and request $30 million in funding for PSLRP in the House FY 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

AANS and CNS Recommend $49 Billion for NIH in FY 2023

May 10, 2022
The 369 undersigned members of the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, which includes organizations representing patients, scientists, health professionals, research and academic institutions, educators, and industry, are grateful to Congress for making meaningful annual funding growth for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a key, bipartisan national priority.

Neurosurgery Urges Funding for Firearms Injury Prevention Research 04.28.22

Apr 28, 2022
As you consider appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the undersigned 288 national, state, and local medical, public health, and research organizations write to ask you to provide $35 million for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and $25 million for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct public health research into firearm morbidity and mortality prevention.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on VA GME Proposal

Apr 05, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is deeply committed to improving access to specialty medical care through the advancement of sound health policy.

AANS/CNS Comment on Updated CDC Opioid Guidelines

Apr 04, 2022
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Proposed 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids.

Neurosurgery Asks for Extension for Provider Relief Fund Reporting

Mar 31, 2022
On behalf of our members, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the undersigned national medical specialty societies urge the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to reopen Reporting Period for at least 60 days to applicable Provider Relief Fund1 (PRF) recipients who did not report through the HRSA PRF Reporting Portal by the November 30, 2021, deadline.

AANS and CNS Urge CMS to Revisit Split/Shared Visit Policy

Mar 29, 2022
On behalf of our members, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the undersigned national medical specialty societies urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind the CY 2022 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule final rule1 regarding who should bill for split or shared visits when elements of the visit are performed by both a physician and a qualified healthcare professional (QHP), and revise the rule after providing another opportunity for public comment on this policy.

Neurosurgery-Led Coalition Urges House to Adopt Pandemic-Related Liability Protections 03.09.22

Mar 09, 2022
On behalf of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA), a diverse coalition of medical professionals, associations and other stakeholders working to reduce medical lawsuit abuse and improve timely access to quality care, we would like to commend you for the recent Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing entitled “Lessons from the Frontline: COVID-19s Impact on American Healthcare.”

Neurosurgery Recommends ACGME Address COI in Residency Training

Mar 08, 2022
On behalf of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Board of Neurological Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Society of Neurological Surgeons, we are writing to encourage the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to adopt new institutional and program requirements to govern conflict of interest during residency training.

Conflict of Interest Issues During Residency Training

Mar 08, 2022
On behalf of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Board of Neurological Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Society of Neurological Surgeons, we are writing to encourage the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to adopt new institutional and program requirements to govern conflict of interest during residency training.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on CMS e-Prior Authorization

Mar 08, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is deeply committed to improving access to specialty medical care through the advancement of sound health policy.

Neurosurgery Joins Urges Congress to Expand Telehealth 03.06.22

Mar 06, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is deeply committed to improving access to specialty medical care through the advancement of sound health policy.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Suspend Medicare Sequester through PHE 02.28.22

Feb 28, 2022
We, the undersigned organizations, are writing to express our appreciation for the bipartisan enactment of The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act in December 2021, which extends the suspension of Medicare sequestration cuts, pursuant to The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation Lower Medical Student Loan Costs 02.25.22

Feb 25, 2022
On behalf of our organizations, we thank you for introducing the “Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act” (S 3658) that, if passed, will allow borrowers to qualify for interest-free deferment on their student loans while serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program.

Neurosurgery Urge Congress to Explore Options to Fix the Medicare Physician Payment System 02.25.22

Feb 25, 2022
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing over one million physician and non-physician health care clinicians, we respectfully request that your committees collaborate with the provider community to immediately initiate formal proceedings (hearing, roundtables, expert panels, etc.) to discuss potential reforms to the Medicare physician payment system to ensure continued beneficiary access to care.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance Calling for Medicare Physician Payment Hearings 02.18.22

Feb 18, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is deeply committed to improving access to specialty medical care through the advancement of sound health policy.

AANS and CNS Urge Congress to Hold Hearings on the Medicare Fee Schedule 02.07.22

Feb 07, 2022
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing surgeons and anesthesiologists, we urge you to hold hearings on the future of the Medicare physician fee schedule and the status of other policies included in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), including the Quality Payment Program.

Neurosurgery-Led Coalition Seeks COVID-19 Medical Liability Protections 02.04.22

Feb 04, 2022
On behalf of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA), a diverse coalition of medical professionals, associations and other stakeholders working to reduce medical lawsuit abuse and improve timely access to quality care, we would like to thank you for giving us an opportunity to comment on the discussion draft of the PREVENT Pandemics Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Network Adequacy 1.27.22

Jan 27, 2022
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians across 15 specialty and subspecialty societies.

AANS/CNS Announce Lead Role in Filing Amicus Brief in Surprise Billing Lawsuit 01.13.22

Jan 13, 2022
Washington, DC—The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) spearheaded a physician-led amicus brief, along with the Physician Advocacy Institute, supporting the American Medical Association (AMA) and American Hospital Association (AHA) lawsuit challenging a crucial provision of the new surprise medical billing rule.

Neurosurgery Leads Amicus Brief Effort in Surprise Billing Lawsuit 01.07.22

Jan 07, 2022
Consistent with Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, rule 29(a)(4), as adopted by LCvR 7(o)(5), the undersigned, counsel for the amici parties submitting this brief, states that no party’s counsel authored this brief in whole or in part; no party or party’s counsel contributed money intended to fund the preparation or the submission of this brief; and no person other than the amici curiae, its members, and its counsel contributed money intended to fund the preparation or the submission of this brief.

Neurosurgery Announces the Filing of Amicus Brief in Surprise Billing Litigation 01.04.22

Jan 04, 2022
A broad coalition of physician organizations, led by the Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and joined by seven national medical societies and 16 state medical associations, filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the American Medical Association (AMA) and American Hospital Association’s (AHA) lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging federal regulators’ approach to dispute resolution under the No Surprises Act. Neither the amicus brief, nor the lawsuit which it supports, would change the No Surprises Act’s critical patient protections, which physicians strongly support.

No Surprises Act Tool Kit 1.1.22

Jan 01, 2022
The federal No Surprises Act (NSA)1 prohibits out-of-network health care providers2 and facilities from balance billing commercially insured patients, in certain circumstances.

Neurosurgery Opposes Bill to Give Trial Lawyers Tax Breaks 12.17.21

Dec 17, 2021
On behalf of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA), a coalition of associations and businesses representing physicians and other health care providers, hospitals, medical liability insurers, employers, and health care consumers,

AANS and CNS Endorse Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Research Bill 12.15.21

Dec 15, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to support your legislation, S. 3390, the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education (CCM-CARE) Act.

Surgical Coalition Urges Passage of Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.07.21

Dec 07, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned surgical organizations, we urge Congress to pass the Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act to mitigate the 2022 Medicare payment cuts.

Neurosurgery Comments on Surprise Billing Regulations 12.06.21

Dec 06, 2021
The 21 undersigned surgical organizations appreciate the opportunity to comment on the “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II” interim final rules with comment (IFR) implementing certain provisions of the No Surprises Act issued by the Office of Personnel Management; Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury; Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services (collectively referred to as the “Departments” in this letter).

Neurosurgeons Urge Congress to Take Action to Prevent Medicare Cuts Before the End of the Year 12.02.21

Dec 02, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) joined leading national health care organizations urging Congress to prevent steep Medicare payment cuts in 2022.

Neurosurgery Joins Registry Coalition Supporting Cures 2.0 Act 120221

Dec 02, 2021
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (“Coalition”) write to express our strong support for the inclusion of Section 411 in the Cures 2.0 Act, ensuring that clinician-led clinical data registries have meaningful access to Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance Program claims data to better track patient outcomes over time, expand their ability to assess the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments, and provide them with the information necessary to assess the cost-effectiveness of therapies.

Neurosurgery Joins CDC Coalition Urging Increased Funding for FY22 11.30.21

Nov 30, 2021
The undersigned 140 members of the CDC Coalition and other supporting state and national organizations urge you to include at least the House-passed level of $10.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s programs in any final FY 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

AANS and CNS Join Urge CMS to Ban Step-Therapy in Medicare Advantage 11.23.21

Nov 23, 2021
The undersigned organizations, representing millions of Medicare beneficiaries with life-threatening, complex, chronic conditions and/or the physicians who care for them, are asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans continue to have appropriate and timely access to the therapies they need to properly manage their conditions.

Summary of the Medicare OPPS and ASC 2022 Payment Rules

Nov 22, 2021
On Nov. 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2022 Changes to Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System final rule.

Summary of the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule

Nov 22, 2021
On Nov. 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule.

Neurosurgery Reinforces Need for Congress to Prevent Steep Medicare Cuts 11.20.21

Nov 20, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing over one million physician and non-physician health care providers, thank you for your ongoing support for Medicare beneficiaries and the health care provider community.

Neurosurgeons Endorse Supporting Medicare Providers Act 11.19.21

Nov 19, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) endorsed the Supporting Medicare Providers Act (H.R. 6020), introduced by Reps. Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.) and Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.). If adopted, this legislation would help mitigate steep Medicare payment cuts in 2022.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund National Concussion Surveillance System 11.18.21

Nov 18, 2021
As you consider appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the undersigned organizations request that you appropriate at least the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations level of $2 million to fund the National Concussion Surveillance System.

Neurosurgeons Urge Funding for Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program 11.18.21

Nov 18, 2021
As you negotiate a final fiscal year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) bill, we urge you to include $30 million for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP) – the amount included in the Senate Labor-HHS draft – and pass this bill before the current continuing resolution (CR) expires on December 3.

Neurosurgery Urges Biden Administration to Fix Surprise Billing Reg 11.17.21

Nov 17, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing physicians across the country, we write to urge you to reconsider the requirements in the Interim Final Rule (IFR), entitled “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II,” 86 Fed. Reg. 55,980 (Oct. 7, 2021), implementing the No Surprises Act (NSA) that directs Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) entities to consider the qualifying payment amount (QPA) a rebuttable presumptive reasonable payment for out-of-network physicians engaging in the IDR process and, in turn, places a thumb on the scale in favor of health insurers in contract negotiations.

Neurosurgery Joins 300+ Groups in Urging Passage of NIH Funding Bill 11.15.21

Nov 15, 2021
Thank you for your past leadership in championing sustained, real growth in medical research funding.

Neurosurgeons Urge MedPAC to Adopt Policies that Leverage Clinical Data Registries 11.11.21

Nov 11, 2021
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (the “Coalition”) respectfully request the opportunity to virtually meet with representatives of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (“MedPAC”) to discuss ways in which clinical data registries can be leveraged to meet the current and future needs of the health care system and to optimize patient care.

Neurosurgeons Press Biden Administration to Change Surprise Billing Regulations 11.08.21

Nov 08, 2021
Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) enthusiastically voiced support for a bipartisan letter from 152 bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives to the Biden Administration demanding changes to the interim final rule (IFR) implementing a critical piece of the No Surprises Act.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund Pediatric Device Consortium at FDA 11.08.21

Nov 08, 2021
On behalf of the 20 undersigned organizations, we write to thank you for your long-standing support of the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) Grant Program at the Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

AANS/CNS Support Brain Act 11.01.21

Nov 03, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to offer our support of your legislation, H.R. 5435, the Bringing Regulatory Advances Into Neuroscience (BRAIN) Act.

Neurosurgery Leads Coalition Effort Urging CMS to Reform Prior Auth 10.28.21

Oct 28, 2021
The undersigned members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, representing thousands of physicians throughout the United States, are writing to request a meeting with you and your staff to discuss the Center for Medicare & Medicaid’s (CMS) utilization review policies, particularly those related to prior authorization (PA).

Neurosurgeons Applaud Senate Letter to CMS Urging Action on Prior Auth 10.28.21

Oct 28, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) enthusiastically voiced support for a bipartisan letter from 29 U.S. Senators to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

Neurosurgery Reinforces Request for CMS to Increase Global Surgery Code Values 10.28.21

Oct 28, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to meet on September 7, 2021, to discuss our concerns with the current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policy regarding the evaluation and management (E/M) post-operative office visits within global surgery codes.

Neurosurgery Writes U.S. Attorney General re Intrathecal Pain Pumps & Controlled Substances Act 10.21.21

Oct 21, 2021
On behalf of the American Medical Association (AMA) and the undersigned national medical

AANS/CNS Endorse Senate Prior Authorization Legislation 10.20.21

Oct 20, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) enthusiastically voiced support for the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Endorsing Prior Auth Reform Legislation 10.20.21

Oct 20, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgeons Thank Members of Congress for Leading Efforts to Avoid Steep Medicare Cuts in 2022 10.15.22

Oct 15, 2021
ashington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) thanked Reps. Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.) and Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.) for leading a Congressional letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urging them to take action this year to prevent steep Medicare physician payment cuts in 2021.

Neurosurgery Expresses Enthusiasm for Prior Authorization Legislation Progress 10.08.21

Oct 08, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) expressed enthusiasm with the progress of legislation to streamline prior authorization in Medicare. Sponsored by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.) and Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.), the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173) now has 227 bipartisan co-sponsors, enough to pass the House of Representatives if brought forward for a vote.

Neurosurgery Endorses Senate Good Samaritan Legislation 10.06.21

Oct 06, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to support the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021 and extend our offer to help advance this critical legislation.

Reps. Neal and Brady Urge Changes to Surprise Billing Rules 10.4.21

Oct 04, 2021
We write regarding our concerns with respect to the implementation of the historic and bipartisan No Surprises Act by your Departments.

Fact Sheet on Prior Authorization Legislation 2021

Oct 01, 2021
Prior authorization is a cumbersome process that requires physicians to obtain pre-approval for medical treatments or tests before rendering care to their patients.

Neurosurgery Endorses Good Samaritan Legislation in U.S. Senate 09.28.21

Sep 28, 2021
We, the undersigned members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA), wish to express our sincere thanks for your leadership in introducing the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021.

Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force Releases New Recommendations 09.23.21

Sep 23, 2021
The American Medical Association (AMA) convened more than 25 national, specialty and state medical societies in two task force efforts between 2014-2019 to provide specific guidance to end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic and focus on the unique needs of patients with pain.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance is Urging Congress to Prevent Medicare Cuts 09.21.21

Sep 20, 2021
Thank you for your leadership and your tireless efforts to sustain access to specialty care during the ongoing public health emergency (PHE).

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Urging Improvements to Medicare Innovation Center 09.20.21

Sep 20, 2021
We, the undersigned, are committed to a healthcare system that is defined by continuous improvement, a focus on elevating value, and superior patient outcomes.

AANS and CNS Urge CMS to Halt Hospital Outpatient Department Prior Auth 09.17.21

Sep 17, 2021
Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs; Price Transparency of Hospital Standard Charges; Radiation Oncology Model; Request for Information on Rural Emergency Hospitals

Neurosurgery Endorses Good Samaritan Legislation 09.15.21

Sep 15, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to support H.R. 5239, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2021, and extend our offer to help advance this critical legislation.

Neurosurgery Joins Registry Coalition in Commenting on 2022 Proposed Quality Payment Program Rule 09.13.21

Sep 13, 2021
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (the “Coalition”) appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (“CMS’s”) proposed rule on updates to the Quality Payment Program for calendar year (“CY”) 2022 (the “Proposed Rule”) relating to Qualified Clinical Data Registries (“QCDRs”) and Qualified Registries (“QRs”).1

AANS/CNS Comment on Proposed 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 09.13.21

Sep 13, 2021
Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post-Payment Medical Review Requirements.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on 2022 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 09.13.21

Sep 13, 2021
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians across 14 specialty and subspecialty societies.

Neurosurgery Position Statement on LITT for Epilepsy 09.13.21

Sep 13, 2021
1. To provide an evidence-based, best practices summary to guide health-care providers in the use of Magnetic Resonance-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) in the management of epilepsy

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition Urging CMS to Delay AUC Program for Diagnostic Imaging 9.13.21

Sep 13, 2021
Re: File Code CMS-1751-P; Medicare Program; CY 2022 Payment Policies under the Physician Payment Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; (July 23, 2021) (“2022 PFS Proposed Rule” or “Proposed Rule”)

Neurosurgery Comments on New Surprise Billing Rules 09.07.21

Sep 07, 2021
The undersigned surgical organizations appreciate the opportunity to comment on the “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I” interim final rules with comment (IFR) implementing certain provisions of the No Surprises Act issued by the Office of Personnel Management; Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury; Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor; and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services (collectively referred to as the “Departments” in this letter).

Neurosurgery Position Statement on LITT for Tumor 09.07.21

Sep 07, 2021
To provide an evidence-based, best-practice summary to guide health care providers in the use of MR-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in the management of newly

Neurosurgery Supports GME Funding in Budget Reconciliation Legislation 09.01.21

Sep 01, 2021
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, the undersigned groups urge you to build upon last year’s historic investment in the health care workforce, and in particular GME, as you consider the upcoming budget reconciliation legislation.

AANS/CNS Position Statement on Arthrodesis of the Spine 08.21.21

Aug 21, 2021
Patient safety and optimal outcomes are maximized by team-based treatment of patients with either trauma or degenerative diseases of the spine involving a collaborative relationship between neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgeons and non-surgeon spine clinicians who practice within the scope of their training.

AANS and CNS Object to Hospital DRG Assignments for LITT 081921

Aug 19, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are writing to express our strong opposition to MS-DRG reassignment for two Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) procedures used to treat brain tumors and epilepsy, given the agency’s failure to provide stakeholders with the appropriate notice and comment opportunity. The two procedures are:

AANS and CNS Provide Comments to CMS on Network Adequacy 07.28.21

Jul 28, 2021
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians across 14 specialty and subspecialty societies.

Neurosurgeons Lead Coalition Effort to Prevent Steep Medicare Cuts 07.23.21

Jul 23, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing over one million physician and non-physician health care providers, thank you for your ongoing support for Medicare beneficiaries and the health care provider community.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition Urging CMS to Increase Global Surgery Code Values 07.22.21

Jul 22, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned 24 organizations, we write to voice our disappointment that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has failed to incorporate the American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC)-recommended work and time incremental increases for the revised office/outpatient visit E/M codes into the global codes.

Registry Coalition Makes Recommendations for 21st Century Cures 2.0 7.9.21

Jul 09, 2021
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (“Coalition”) write to offer our recommendations for legislative reform to include in the Cures 2.0 package.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation Allowing Residents to Defer Student Loan Interest 06.30.21

Jun 30, 2021
On behalf of our organizations, we thank you for reintroducing the “Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act” (HR 4122) that, if passed, will allow borrowers to qualify for interest-free deferment on their student loans while serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Objecting to UnitedHealthcare’s Emergency Care Coverage Rule 06.29.21

Jun 29, 2021
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgery Joins AAMC in Commenting on Distribution of new GME Slots 06.28.21

Jun 28, 2021
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, which consists of hospital groups, physician specialty groups, and other health care stakeholders, the undersigned organizations write regarding CMS’ proposed distribution of the 1,000 newly created Medicare-supported residency positions provided for in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA).

Members of the Senate Urge Appropriations to Fund MISSION Zero Program 6.17.21

Jun 17, 2021
We are contacting you today to respectfully request that the Subcommittee include $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant program in the FY22 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort Against United Healthcare’s Emergency Care Policy 06.16

Jun 16, 2021
The undersigned organizations write to express deep concerns about UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) new policy to allow for the retroactive denial of coverage for emergency care, which will have serious medical consequences for patients.

Neurosurgery Provides Comment on NASS Percutaneous SI Joint Fusion Coverage Policy 6.11.21

Jun 11, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (DSPN), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the North American Spine Society (NASS) draft model coverage policy recommendation for percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion.

AANS and CNS Join Alliance in Urging CMS to Improve Quality Payment Programs 06.08.21

Jun 08, 2021
he undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance) are writing to express our concerns about the implementation of physician-focused value-based care initiatives authorized under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Support of COVID-19 Liability Protections 06.07.21

Jun 07, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgeons Join Alliance in Supporting Medicare Private Contracting Bill S 826 06.03.21

Jun 03, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgeons Join Alliance in Supporting Medicare Private Contracting Bill HR 3322 06.03.21

Jun 03, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

CMS Rejects Neurosurgery’s Request to Scrap Prior Auth for Spine Procedures 06.03.21

Jun 03, 2021
Thank you for your letter on behalf of the Medical Devices Manufacturing Association and other healthcare stakeholders requesting that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspend or delay the implementation of prior authorization requirements for cervical fusion with disc removal and implanted spinal neurostimulators. We appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention.

Neurosurgery Urges Improvements to APMs 05.25.21

May 25, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned physician organizations, we congratulate you on your appointment to lead the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

Neurosurgery Urge Congress to Invest in Research Infrastructure 05.19.21

May 19, 2021
On behalf of the 229 undersigned members of the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, thank you for your longstanding support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Neurosurgery Supports Medicare Patient Empowerment Act-House 05.19.21

May 19, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we are writing to enthusiastically endorse your legislation, H.R. 3322, the “Medicare Patient Empowerment Act.”

Neurosurgery Supports Medicare Patient Empowerment Act-Senate 05.19.21

May 19, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we are writing to enthusiastically endorse your legislation, S. 826, the “Medicare Patient Empowerment Act.”

Neurosurgery Supports Medicare Patient Empowerment Act 05.19.21

May 19, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we are writing to enthusiastically endorse your legislation, H.R. 3322, the “Medicare Patient Empowerment Act.”

Neurosurgery Endorses Coronavirus Provider Protection Act 05.18.21

May 18, 2021
The undersigned members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access enthusiastically support the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act (H.R. 3021) and applaud you for your commitment to protecting healthcare professionals, and the facilities in which they practice, from the serious threat of COVID-19-related liability lawsuits.

Neurosurgeons Urge GME Funding in Infrastructure Package 05.18.21

May 18, 2021
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, the undersigned groups urge you to ensure that federal support for physician training is included in upcoming legislative efforts to improve the nation’s infrastructure.

Neurosurgery Supports NOPAIN Act 05.17.21

May 17, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, we enthusiastically support H.R. 3259, the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act.

Neurosurgeons Applaud Reintroduction of Legislation to Streamline Prior Authorization in Medicare 5.13.21

May 13, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) enthusiastically voiced support for the reintroduction of the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Neurosurgeons Join Coalition Supporting Prior Auth Reform Legislation 05.13.21

May 13, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgeons Endorse Legislation to Reform Prior Authorization in Medicare 05.12.21

May 12, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to endorse your legislation, the “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.”

Neurosurgery Urges Senate to Fund Military-Civilian Trauma Program 05.11.21

May 11, 2021
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) urge the subcommittee to provide $11.5 million for Fiscal Year 2022 to fund the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program.

Neurosurgery Supports Senate Bill to Fund Pediatric Research 05.11.21

May 11, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, S. 1521, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0.

Neurosurgery Urges House to Fund Military-Civilian Trauma Program 05.11.21

May 11, 2021
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) urge the subcommittee to provide $11.5 million for Fiscal Year 2022 to fund the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program.

Neurosurgery Supports House Bill to Fund Pediatric Research 05.11.21

May 11, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, S. 1521, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0.

AANS and CNS Urge Congress to Repeal Medicare’s AUC for Imaging Mandate 05.10.21

May 10, 2021
In 2014, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) [Public Law 113-93], establishing the Medicare Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program for advanced diagnostic

Neurosurgeons Endorse Telehealth Expansion Bill 042721

Apr 27, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Care Act.

Neurosurgery Leads Coalition Effort to Prevent Medicare Cuts in 2022 04.27.21

Apr 27, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing a broad range of physician and non-physician health care providers, thank you for your continued dedication to providing critical pathways for our nation to continue its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of Congress Urge Appropriations to Fund MISSION Zero Program 04.27.21

Apr 27, 2021
We respectfully request the inclusion of $11.5 million for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program authorized in the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019 (PAHPAI).

Washington Committee-AMA Fellowship Application 04.26.21

Apr 26, 2021
The fellowship is open to CSNS Socioeconomic Fellows who are in a neurosurgical residency program or fellowship during the length of the WC/AMA Fellowship.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort Urging CMS to Limit Mandatory Step Therapy in Medicare 04.22.21

Apr 22, 2021
The undersigned organizations, representing millions of Medicare beneficiaries with life-threatening, complex, chronic conditions and the physicians who care for them, are asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans continue to have appropriate and timely access to the therapies they need to properly manage their conditions.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Supporting Senate Bill to Increase Residency Slots 04.21.21

Apr 21, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgery Supports Bill to Rein In Step Therapy Protocols 04.21.21

Apr 21, 2021
As patient and physician advocates, the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance) writes in support of your legislation, H.R. 2163, the Safe Step Act, which would provide patients and providers with a clear and transparent appeals process when subject to step therapy protocols instituted by insurers.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Supporting House Bill to Increase Residency Slots 04.21.21

Apr 21, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort to Ensure Provider Relief Funds are Not Taxable 04.19.21

Apr 19, 2021
The 27 undersigned organizations write to express our support and appreciation for your leadership on the introduction of the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act (H.R. 2079).

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Requesting NIH Funding for Cardiovascular Disease 04.16.21

Apr 16, 2021
The 58 member organizations of the NHLBI Constituency Group urge you to include in the FY 2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriation bill $46.11 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $3.94 billion for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

AANS and CNS Urge CMS to Release MIPS Benchmark Data 04.13.21

Apr 13, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for providing much-needed relief for physicians in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) by instating an automatic and flexible Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Hardship Exemption policy for the 2020 MIPS performance year due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).

Neurosurgeons Join Coalition in Recommending Funding for Stroke Research 04.13.21

Apr 13, 2021
The 33 undersigned member organizations of the National Coalition for Heart and Stroke Research urge Congress to support the fight against heart disease, stroke, and other forms of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

AANS and CNS Release Prior Authorization Press Release

Apr 08, 2021
Washington, DC—The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) joined a diverse coalition of 40 state and national health care organizations reiterating their strong opposition to the expansion of prior authorization in Medicare.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition Opposing New Prior Auth Requirements 04.07.21

Apr 07, 2021
On behalf of the organizations below and the patients and healthcare stakeholders we serve, we are writing to reiterate the growing concern within the healthcare community regarding the expanding use of prior authorization by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Requesting Congressional Oversight of Medicare Quality Programs 03.30.21

Mar 30, 2021
The undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance) are writing to urge you to consider convening an oversight hearing to examine the implementation of physician-focused value-based care initiatives authorized under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation Funding Additional GME Slots 03.29.21

Mar 29, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, H.R. 2256, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act.

Organized Neurosurgery Urges House to Fund Firearms Research 03.25.21

Mar 25, 2021
As you consider appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the undersigned 202 national, state, and local medical, public health, and research organizations write to ask you to provide $50 million in funding shared evenly between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct public health research into firearm morbidity and mortality prevention.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation to Address Physician Burnout 03.25.21

Mar 25, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we would like to thank you for introducing the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act” (S. 610/H.R. 1667).

Organized Neurosurgery Urges Senate to Fund Firearms Research 03.25.21

Mar 25, 2021
As you consider appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, the undersigned 202 national, state, and local medical, public health, and research organizations write to ask you to provide $50 million in funding shared evenly between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct public health research into firearm morbidity and mortality prevention.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Support of House GME Bill 03.24.21

Mar 24, 2021
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, the undersigned organizations offer our enthusiastic support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. This bipartisan legislation is crucial to expanding the physician workforce and to ensuring that patients across the country are able to access quality care from providers.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation Funding Additional GME Slots 03.24.21

Mar 24, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, S. 834, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Letter in Urging Gov. Cuomo to Maintain COVID-19-Liability Protections 03.24.21

Mar 24, 2021
We, the undersigned members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access and other concerned stakeholders with interests in the State of New York, write to voice our strong opposition to Assembly Bill A3397, a proposal which could be devastating to health care professionals and facilities in New York if enacted.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Support of Senate GME Bill 03.24.21

Mar 24, 2021
On behalf of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Coalition, the undersigned organizations offer our enthusiastic support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 834).

Neurosurgeon Endorse NOPAIN Act 03.23.21

Mar 23, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, we enthusiastically support S. 586, the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Supporting Medicare Sequester Relief Act 03.19.21

Mar 19, 2021
Thank you for your leadership on behalf of physicians and other health providers during the public health emergency. The Alliance of Specialty Medicine represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

One Neurosurgery Summit Groups Join VA Residency Training Letter 03.18.21

Mar 18, 2021
Resident training programs have long-standing partnerships with VA medical centers to enhance the quality care provided to veteran patients and to facilitate training of new physicians.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Supporting Bill to Reform Step Therapy 03.16.21

Mar 16, 2021
As patient and physician advocates, the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance) writes in support of your legislation, S. 464, the Safe Step Act, which would provide patients and providers with a clear and transparent appeals process when subject to step therapy protocols instituted by insurers.

Neurosurgical Groups Comment on NINDS Strategic Plan 03.15.21

Mar 15, 2021
On behalf of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery (AAcNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS), representing organized neurosurgery in the United States, we write to thank you and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for the opportunity to provide input into the NINDS strategic plan.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Urging Congress to Extend Medicare Sequester Moritorium 03.12.21”

Mar 12, 2021
Thank you for your leadership on behalf of physicians and other health providers during the public health emergency.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort to Extend Medicare Sequester Moratorium 03.12.21

Mar 12, 2021
We, the undersigned organizations, extend our sincere appreciation to Congress for its unwavering support of frontline health care providers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AANS and CNS Release 2021 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda

Mar 08, 2021
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) released their 2021 legislative and regulatory agenda, including health policy action items neurosurgeons plan to advance with Congress and the Biden Administration.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort Urging CMS to Improve Quality Payment Program 03.05.21

Mar 05, 2021
The undersigned physician organizations agree with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) aims in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathway (MVP) to establish an option that moves the program away from a very individualistic method of reporting to a more holistic, episodic or condition-focused approach with a clear end goal of improving patient outcomes.

Neurosurgery Supports Increased Funding for Brain Aneurysm Research 03.04.21

Mar 04, 2021
As you know, an estimated 6.5 million people in the United States, or one in 50 people, have an unruptured brain aneurysm.

Neurosurgery Urges Senate to Fund Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Program 03.02.21

Mar 02, 2021
On behalf of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents, we write to request $50 million in funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP, Section 775 of the Public Health Service Act) in the Senate Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Urges House to Fund Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Program 03.02.21

Mar 02, 2021
On behalf of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents, we write to request $50 million in funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP, Section 775 of the Public Health Service Act) in the House Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Urges CMS to Revisit Spine Quality Measures 03.01.21

Mar 01, 2021
The undersigned organizations are reaching out regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) draft Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Value Pathways candidate on Improving Outcomes for Degenerative Spinal Disease.

Neurosurgery Urges New York to Lower Medical Liability Premiums 02.25.21

Feb 25, 2021
The past year has obviously been an incredibly difficult time for healthcare professionals and the medical industry as a whole.

Neurosurgery Thanks Senate for Preventing Medicare Payment Cuts 02.22.21

Feb 22, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing a broad range of physician and nonphysician providers, welcome to the 117th Congress.

Neurosurgery Thanks House for Preventing Medicare Payment Cuts 02.22.21

Feb 22, 2021
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, representing a broad range of physician and nonphysician providers, congratulations on your election to the 117th Congress.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Asking Congress to Suspend Medicare Payment Sequester 02.17.21

Feb 17, 2021
Thank you for your leadership on behalf of physicians and other health providers during the public health emergency. The Alliance of Specialty Medicine represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Supporting Specialty Physician Loan Repayment Legislation 02.17.21

Feb 17, 2021
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgery Supports Senate Bill to Fund Firearms Research 02.16.21

Feb 16, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), AANS/CNS Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care and AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery, representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, H.R. 825, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act.

Neurosurgery Supports House Bill to Fund Firearms Research 02.16.21

Feb 16, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), AANS/CNS Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care and AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery, representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, H.R. 825, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort to Extend Medicare Payment Sequester Moratorium 2.12.21

Feb 12, 2021
The American Medical Association and undersigned national specialty and state medical societies represent the vast majority of physicians practicing in the United States, many of whom continue to provide frontline care to Medicare patients as the COVID-19 global pandemic persists across the country.

Neurosurgery Asks House to Fund MISSION Zero Program 02.11.21

Feb 11, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we write to request $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2022 Senate Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations legislation.

Neurosurgery Asks Senate to Fund MISSION Zero Program 02.11.21

Feb 11, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we write to request $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2022 Senate Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations legislation.

Neurosurgery Endorses Legislation to Permanently Fund CHIP 02.10.21

Feb 10, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery, representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, H.R. 66, the Comprehensive Access to Robust Insurance Now Guaranteed (CARING) for Kids Act.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort in Asking Senate for Concussion Surveillance Funding 02.03.21

Feb 03, 2021
As you consider appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the undersigned organizations request that you appropriate $5 million to fund the National Concussion Surveillance System, authorized by the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. Law 115-377).

Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Senate L-HHS-E Appropriations in Support of Funding for National Concussion Surveillance System 2.2.21

Feb 02, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Neurotrauma & Critical Care, representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support funding for the National Concussion Surveillance System.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort to Extend Medicare Payment Sequester Moratorium 02.02.21

Feb 02, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the United States and around the world. As noted by the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Norris Cochran, the declared COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is expected to continue through the end of 2021.

Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to House L-HHS-E Appropriations in Support of Funding for National Concussion Surveillance System 2.2.21

Feb 02, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Neurotrauma & Critical Care, representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support funding for the National Concussion Surveillance System.

Neurosurgery Supports Legislation to Suspend Medicare Payment Sequester 02.02.21

Feb 02, 2021
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we write to support your legislation, H.R. 315, the Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act, and encourage its inclusion in the next COVID-19 relief package.

Neurosurgery Thanks Congress for Additional GME Funding 1.27.21

Jan 27, 2021
The undersigned organizations, representing 85 associations and specialty societies and members of the GME Advocacy Coalition, thank you for investing in physician training by adding 1,000 new Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) positions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

President Biden’s COVID-19 Response Plan 1.20.21

Jan 20, 2021
We can and will beat COVID-19. America deserves a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is driven by science, data, and public health not politics.

Neurosurgery Urges Improvements to COVID-19 Vaccination Process 1.19.21

Jan 19, 2021
In order to meet your goal of vaccinating 100 million people during your first 100 days in office, the undersigned health systems and healthcare organizations urge you take immediate steps, upon your inauguration, to activate federal resources, including the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to operate mass vaccination sites across the country, to supplement vaccination efforts already underway at hospitals and community pharmacies.

Summary of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 01.12.21

Jan 12, 2021
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) into law (P.L. 116-260) — a massive omnibus spending bill that includes nearly $900 billion for coronavirus relief and an additional $1.4 trillion spending package to fund the federal government through the end of the Fiscal Year 2021.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Prior Authorization Reform 01.04.21

Jan 04, 2021
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned proposed rule.

Neurosurgery Endorses Senate Prior Auth Reform Legislation 12.17.20

Dec 17, 2020
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act Introduced in the Senate 12.16.20

Dec 16, 2020
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans, and for other purposes

Neurosurgery Endorses S. 5007, the Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVD-19 Act

Dec 14, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for your leadership in introducing S. 5007, the Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVD-19 Act of 2020, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the finalized evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Use Provider Relief Fund to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.14.20

Dec 14, 2020
On behalf of the 21 undersigned organizations representing surgeons and anesthesiologists across the United States, we strongly urge you to take action before Congress adjourns for the year to prevent devastating Medicare physician payment cuts scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2021.

S. 5007, Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID–19 Act

Dec 11, 2020
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for an increase in payment under part B of the Medicare program for certain services in response to COVID–19.

Senators Urge Leaders to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.04.20

Dec 04, 2020
We write to express our support for addressing upcoming physician payment cuts in ongoing legislative negotiations.

Congressional Black Caucus Urges House Leaders to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.04.20

Dec 04, 2020
As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we want to thank you for your efforts to ensure access to health care for patients and to ensure that physicians and specialists around the country have been able to continue operations during this pandemic.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Adopt its 3-Point Plan for Preventing Medicare Cuts 12.04.20

Dec 04, 2020
On behalf of the 20 undersigned organizations representing surgeons across the United States, we write to you today regarding significant concerns with the devastating Medicare physician payment cuts scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition Urging President-Elect Biden to Continue Commitment to Biomedical Research Funding 12.04.20

Dec 04, 2020
The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, and the 349 undersigned member organizations representing patients, clinicians, scientists, educators, academic institutions, research organizations, and industry, thank you for your steadfast support for science.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Act to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.03.20

Dec 03, 2020
Thank you for your leadership and your tireless efforts during this public health emergency. The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Doc Members of Congress Urge Leaders to Prevent Medicare Cuts 12.03.20

Dec 03, 2020
We urgently request that you address the impending cuts in the CY21 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in any legislation moving through the House before the end of the year in an effort to avert yet another health care crisis.

Medicare Reimbursement Equity Act of 2020

Dec 01, 2020
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate global surgical package code values in the Medicare program.

Neurosurgery Comments on AUC Program 11.27.20

Nov 27, 2020
The undersigned organizations appreciate the opportunity to comment on the intention of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) to collect information from provider-led entities (PLE) for purposes of the Medicare Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program for advanced diagnostic imaging as set forth under Section 218(b) of the “Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014.”

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund Trauma Grant Program 11.20.20

Nov 20, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing in the United States, we write to support funding for military and civilian trauma readiness.

Neurosurgery Leads Coalition Effort Supporting Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 11.11.20

Nov 11, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for your leadership in introducing H.R. 8702, a bill to halt pending Medicare payment cuts resulting from the planned evaluation and management (E/M) code changes slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Joins Effort Urging Congress to Eliminate Medicare Sequester Cuts 11.11.20

Nov 11, 2020
The COVID-19 global health pandemic remains unprecedented in both the scale and scope of its impact, and the response by the government and health care community to this crisis has been similarly unparalleled.

Neurosurgery Urges Health Plans to Recognize CPT Code 99072 for COVID-19-Related Expenses 11.10.20

Nov 10, 2020
The undersigned organizations represent the hundreds of thousands of physicians who provide care for our nation’s patients every day.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance is Asking Congress to Suspend Medicare Payment Sequester 11.9.20

Nov 09, 2020
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care.

Neurosurgeons Call On Congress to Delay AUC Imaging Program 11.6.20

Nov 06, 2020
In 2014, Congress passed the “Protecting Access to Medicare Act” (PAMA), establishing the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program for advanced diagnostic imaging.

Surgical Groups Support Legislation to Prevent Medicare Pay Cuts 11.02.20

Nov 03, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing surgeons across the United States, we would like to express our support for the bipartisan Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020, H.R. 8702.

Neurosurgery Supports Medicare Coverage for Innovative Technologies 11.2.20

Nov 02, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 neurosurgeons in the United States, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking.

Neurosurgery Objects to Independence Blue Cross Physiatrist Referral Requirement 11.2.20

Nov 02, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (DSPN), representing more than 4,000 neurosurgeons in the United States, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on recent changes in the above-referenced policy, Independence Blue Cross Policy #11.14/27d-Spinal Fusion.1

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology 11.2.20

Nov 02, 2020
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned proposed rule.

Neurosurgeons Support Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.30.20

Oct 30, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we are pleased to endorse your legislation, the “Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act.”

Neurosurgeons Support Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.30.20

Oct 30, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, we are pleased to endorse your legislation, the “Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act.

Neurosurgeons Announce Endorsement of Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.30.20

Oct 30, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) announced their endorsement of the “Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act.”

Congress Urges CMS to Drop Prior Auth Requirements for Neurosurgical Services 10.30.20

Oct 30, 2020
We write to you to express bipartisan concern over a proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand prior authorization for certain items and services in the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System.1 If finalized, we believe this policy could negatively impact beneficiary access to medically necessary procedures, and we ask you to reconsider.

Neurosurgeons Thank 229 Members of Congress Calling on Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.19.20

Oct 19, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) thanked Reps. Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.); Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.); Brendan F. Boyle (D-Pa.); George Holding (R-N.C.); Raul Ruiz, MD, (D-Calif.); Roger W. Marshall, MD, (R-Kan.); Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa); and Brad Wenstrup, DPM, (R-Ohio) for leading a Congressional letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urging them to take action this year to prevent steep Medicare physician payment cuts in 2021.

229 Bipartisan Members of the House Urge Leaders to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.19.20

Oct 19, 2020
We write to bring to your attention a matter of great urgency. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be issuing new payment policies in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021.

Sen. Collins Urges Senate Leaders to Prevent Medicare Payment Cuts 10.09.20

Oct 09, 2020
I write today regarding the recent 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule and my concern with the ill-timed payment cuts proposed for certain physician specialties and providers.

Neurosurgery Leads Effort Thanking Reps. Burgess and Rush for their Leadership on Medicare Payment Cuts 10.09.20

Oct 09, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for your leadership in introducing H.R. 8505, a bill to prevent pending Medicare payment cuts by waiving the budget neutrality requirements stipulated in Section 1848(c)(2) of the Social Security Act for the finalized evaluation and management (E/M) code proposal slated for implementation on January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Letter to CMS re Medicare Pay Cuts 10.05.20

Oct 06, 2020
The professional organizations below, representing an estimated 1.4 million physicians and nonphysician practitioners throughout the country, strenuously object to the extraordinary budget neutrality (BN) reduction proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule (the “proposed CF reduction”).

Neurosurgery Joins PCRC in Commenting on Medicare Quality Payment Program 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (the “Coalition”) appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (“CMS’s”) proposed rule on updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program for calendar year (“CY”) 2021 (the “Proposed Rule” or “NPRM”) relating to Qualified Clinical Data Registries (“QCDRs”) and Qualified Registries (“QRs”).1

Neurosurgeons Thank Reps. Burgess and Rush for Introducing Legislation to Prevent Medicare Cuts 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) thanked Reps.

Neurosurgery Joins PCRC in Commenting on Medicare Quality Payment Program 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (the “Coalition”) appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (“CMS’s”) proposed rule on updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program for calendar year (“CY”) 2021 (the “Proposed Rule” or “NPRM”) relating to Qualified Clinical Data Registries (“QCDRs”) and Qualified Registries (“QRs”).1

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Medicare Fee Schedule 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned proposed rule, which includes proposals to update the Medicare physician fee schedule for CY 2021 and the Quality Payment Program in Year 5.

Neurosurgery Joins Coalition in Letter to CMS re Medicare Pay Cuts 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
The professional organizations below, representing an estimated 1.4 million physicians and nonphysician practitioners throughout the country, strenuously object to the extraordinary budget neutrality (BN) reduction proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule (the “proposed CF reduction”).

Neurosurgery Comments on Medicare Hospital-ASC Proposed Rule 10.05.20

Oct 05, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 neurosurgeons in the United States, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking.

Neurosurgery Comments on Payment Provisions of Proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 10.01.20

Oct 01, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 neurosurgeons in the United States, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the payment provisions of the above-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking.

Neurosurgery Comments on Quality Provisions of Proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 09.29.20

Sep 29, 2020
The AANS and the CNS refer CMS to comment letters submitted by the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the Alliance) and the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (PCRC). We are members of these two coalitions and support the Quality Payment Program (QPP) concerns and recommendations outlined in each of these comment letters.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance Urging Congress to Prevent Medicare Cuts 09.24.20

Sep 24, 2020
Thank you for your leadership and your tireless efforts during the public health emergency. The Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) represents more than 100,000 specialty physicians and is dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care. As patient and physician advocates, we are urging you to act before the end of the year to prevent significant Medicare pay cuts, which will impact many physician specialties effective January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Asks Congress to Prevent Medicare Payment Cuts 091820

Sep 18, 2020
On behalf of the 22 undersigned organizations representing surgeons across the United States, we urge Congress to take immediate action — in the current continuing resolution (CR) or other must-pass legislation this year — to prevent steep Medicare physician payment cuts that will greatly impact our specialties.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund National Concussion Surveillance System 09.14.20

Sep 14, 2020
As you consider appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the undersigned organizations request that you appropriate $5 million to fund the National Concussion Surveillance System, authorized by the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. Law 115-377).

Neurosurgery Urges Senate to Fund Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program 08.25.20

Aug 25, 2020
On behalf of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents, we urge you to include $50 million in funding for the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program (PSLRP) in the Senate Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill and prioritize the inclusion of this funding in a final omnibus spending bill.

Neurosurgery Supports COVID-19 Provider Fund Tax Relief 08.25.20

Aug 25, 2020
The 29 undersigned organizations write to express our support and appreciation for your leadership on the introduction of the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act (H.R. 7819 and S. 4525).

Neurosurgery Urges CMS to Increase Medicare’s Global Surgery Values 08.21.20

Aug 21, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned 26 organizations, we write to voice our strong opposition to certain policies related to evaluation and management (E/M) codes in the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) proposed rule.

Neurosurgery Asks CMS for DGME Cap Deadline Extension 081320

Aug 13, 2020
On behalf of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Board of Neurological Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Society of Neurological Surgeons, we are writing to make you aware of a potential threat to residency training programs caused by the COVID-19 shutdown.

Physicians Urge Adoption of Stark/Anti-kickback Modernization 8.7.20

Aug 07, 2020
The undersigned physician organizations urge the Trump Administration to issue final rules to modernize the Stark self-referral law (Stark) and Anti-Kickback statute (AKS) so that physicians can better provide coordinated care, which improves outcomes and lowers costs.

Neurosurgery Joins Medical Groups in Calling on Congress to Prevent Medicare Cuts 080420

Aug 04, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC—The proposed 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on August 3, 2020 failed to address a significant shift in physician and nonphysician payments.

AANS/CNS Denounce Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Cuts 080420

Aug 04, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) announced their strong opposition to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for calendar year 2021.

Neurosurgery Leads Effort Cautioning Congress About Surprise Medical Bills Legislation 07.29.20

Jul 29, 2020
The undersigned state and national medical societies, representing hundreds of thousands of frontline physicians, thank you for your continued efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doc Caucus Objects to White House Proposal on Surprise Medical Bills 07.24.20

Jul 24, 2020
As members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, we commend your leadership in highlighting the serious issue of surprise medical billing, and share your interest in ensuring patients are protected from what are essentially billing disputes between providers and insurance companies.

Neurosurgery Calls on Congress to Increase Funding for COVID-19 Testing 07.21.20

Jul 21, 2020
As cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the country, we, the undersigned stakeholders, urge the Congress to prioritize robust federal funding for the critical testing needed to reopen the country.

AANS and CNS Join Effort for Prior Authorization Relief in Medicare 07.20.20

Jul 20, 2020
The Part B Access for Seniors and Physicians (ASP) Coalition represents patient and provider groups dedicated to preserving patient access to Medicare Part B covered services.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Fund Additional Residency Slots 07.09.20

Jul 09, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed our nation’s health care system in myriad unprecedented ways. Across the country, physicians and providers have mobilized on the front lines of this crisis to deliver care to their patients, at times in the most challenging conditions.

Neurosurgery Supports COVID-19-Related Liability Protections 07.09.20

Jul 09, 2020
The Health Coalition on Liability and Access wishes to express our strong support for Section 3 of the Essential Workforce Parity Act. We applaud you for your commitment to protecting healthcare professionals, and the facilities in which they practice, from the serious threat of COVID-19-related liability lawsuits.

UnitedHealthcare Revisits Imaging Prior Authorization Requirements 07.07.20

Jul 07, 2020
Thank you for contacting us about UnitedHealthcare's prior authorization requirements for uploading radiographic images.

Neurosurgery Asks CMS to Prevent Pay Cuts 7.1.20

Jul 01, 2020
The undersigned organizations support the actions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in last year’s Medicare physician payment final rule to utilize the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel coding framework and AMA Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) recommended values for office and outpatient visits starting January 1, 2021.

Neurosurgery Submits Statement to Senate re Medical Liability Protections 07.01.20

Jul 01, 2020
Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Murray, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement following your introspective hearing on lessons learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neurosurgery Urges UnitedHealthcare to Scrap Onerous Prior Auth Policy for Spine Surgery 06.23.20

Jun 23, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (DSPN), we are writing to express concern about UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) new prior authorization policy for the surgical treatment of spinal conditions.

Neurosurgery Joins Clinical Registry Coalition in Recommendations for Cures 2.0 Legislation 06.23.20

Jun 23, 2020
The undersigned members of the Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (“Coalition”) write to offer our recommendations for legislative reform to include in the Cures 2.0 package. The Coalition is a group of medical society-sponsored clinical data registries that collect and analyze clinical outcomes data to identify best practices and improve patient care.

Neurosurgeons Ask Congress to Prevent Medicare Cuts 06.18.20

Jun 18, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for your leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic begins to subside, and the nation strives to adjust to a “new normal,” we appreciate Congress’ efforts to protect health care providers and their patients and grant much-needed flexibilities across the health care community.

AANS/CNS Announce Surgical Care Coalition Launch 061820

Jun 18, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) reinforced their commitment to protecting patients, improving their quality of life, and ensuring timely access to neurosurgical care by joining the Surgical Care Coalition as founding members.

Neurosurgery Provides Recommendations for Updated CDC Pain Guideline 6.16.20

Jun 16, 2020
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) welcome the opportunity to provide comments regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, introduced in 2016. At that time, the CDC stated that “CDC will revisit this guideline as new evidence becomes available to determine when evidence gaps have been sufficiently closed to warrant an update of the guideline.”

Neurosurgery Joins Multi-specialty Letter Objecting to CMS Proposal Regarding Rehabilitation Services 6.11.20

Jun 11, 2020
The undersigned organizations write in response to a proposal included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) proposed rule.

Majority of House of Representatives Supports Prior Authorization Relief 06.11.20

Jun 11, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC, June 11, 2020— H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2019, reached a significant milestone with one-half of the U.S. House of Representatives co-sponsoring this bipartisan legislation.

AANS and CNS Lead Coalition Effort for COVID-19-Related Medical Liability Protections 06.10.20

Jun 10, 2020
The undersigned members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access and other concerned stakeholders enthusiastically support H.R. 7059, the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act, and applaud you for your commitment to protecting healthcare professionals, and the facilities in which they practice, from the serious threat of COVID-19-related liability lawsuits.

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