Overview

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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.

Neurosurgery's 2020 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda

MACRA Implementation Update (prepared by Hart Health Strategies) 2017

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

Additional Resources

American Academy of Neurology

Recent Activities

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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.

Neurosurgery Endorses COVID-19 Liability Protections 05.29.20

May 29, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we enthusiastically endorse H.R. 7059, the Coronavirus Provider Protection Act.

AANS and CNS Endorse COVID-19 Liability Protections Legislation 05.29.20

May 29, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) endorsed bipartisan legislation to provide health care professionals and the facilities in which they work protections from COVID-19-related lawsuits.

Reps. Roe and Correa Introduce COVID-19 Liability Protection Legislation 05.28.20

May 28, 2020
To provide for liability protection for health care providers for damages with respect to any harm caused by any act or omission of such health care professional or related health care entity in the course of arranging for or providing health care services during the COVID–19 public health emergency period, and for other purposes.

Neurosurgery Joins the Alliance in Letter to CMS Urging Improved Telehealth Access 5.27.20

May 27, 2020
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 14 specialty and subspecialty societies, and dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write to request improvements in federal telehealth policies to ensure continued access to telehealth and virtual care services beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

AANS and CNS Sign Letter of Support to Senate L-HHS Appropriations Committee for Military & Civilian Partnership for Trauma Readiness (MISSION Zero) Grant Program 5.22.20

May 22, 2020
As you consider Labor Health and Human Services appropriations for Fiscal Year FY (2021), the Trauma Coalition, a broad group of organizations representing the nations frontline trauma providers, writes to ask the Committee to provide $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Provide COVID-19 Relief for Pediatric Providers 05.13.20

May 13, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations whose members include medical doctors and surgeons practicing in pediatrics, pediatric medical subspecialties, and pediatric surgical subspecialties, we appreciate the work Congress has done to support physician practices during the coronavirus public health emergency, including the establishment of provider relief grants in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Neurosurgery Urges Congress to Adopt COVID-19-Related Liability Protections 05.12.20

May 12, 2020
Chairman Graham, Ranking Member Feinstein, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony for the record on the topic of COVID-19 liability.

AANS and CNS Join Surgical Coalition in Requesting Additional COVID Relief 4.21.20

Apr 22, 2020
The 22 undersigned organizations applaud the expeditious actions by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to issue waivers and new rules that help healthcare professionals and facilities adapt to the needs of the coronavirus pandemic.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on COVID-19 Policies 4.20.20

Apr 20, 2020
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 14 specialty and subspecialty societies, and dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned interim final rule.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance of Specialty Medicine in Requesting Additional COVID-19 Relief 4.17.20

Apr 17, 2020
Thank you for your leadership and your tireless, around-the-clock efforts during this unprecedented crisis. 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.

Neurosurgery Urges State Insurance Commissioners to Adopt Prior Authorizations Reforms 4.16.20

Apr 16, 2020
As medical professional associations representing thousands of physicians in various specialties throughout the country and members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, we are writing to ask that you require all health plans licensed in the state to waive prior authorization (PA) requirements for all health services for the duration of the national emergency declared by the President.

AANS and CNS Urge State Insurance Commissioners to Waive Prior Authorization 041620

Apr 16, 2020
As medical professional associations representing thousands of physicians in various specialties throughout the country and members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, we are writing to ask that you require all health plans licensed in the state to waive prior authorization (PA) requirements for all health services for the duration of the national emergency declared by the President.

Neurosurgery Asks Governors to Suspend Prior Authorization Requirements 041620

Apr 16, 2020
As medical professional associations representing thousands of physicians in various specialties throughout the country and members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, we are writing to ask that you require all health plans licensed in the state to waive prior authorization (PA) requirements for all health services for the duration of the national emergency declared by the President.

Neurosurgery Asks Governors for Prior Authorization Relief 4.16.20

Apr 16, 2020
As medical professional associations representing thousands of physicians in various specialties throughout the country and members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition, we are writing to ask that you require all health plans licensed in the state to waive prior authorization (PA) requirements for all health services for the duration of the national emergency declared by the President.

Neurosurgery Joins 135 Medical Societies in Asking Congress for COVID-19 Relief 4.15.20

Apr 15, 2020
The American Medical Association and undersigned state medical societies and national physician specialty organizations appreciate the recent actions taken by Congress and the Administration to help physicians, other health care clinicians, and hospitals on the frontlines of care meet the demands of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, passage of H.R. 748, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act), was a meaningful step in preserving the health care infrastructure during today’s crisis and beyond.

AANS and CNS Joint Registry Coalition Asking CMS to Delay Value Pathway Program 4.13.20

Apr 14, 2020
The Physician Clinical Registry Coalition (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.

Neurosurgery Asks Congress for Additional COVID-19 Relief 4.13.20

Apr 13, 2020
Thank you for your tireless work on passage of several aid packages, most recently the CARES Act, to address the devastating impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID) pandemic.

AANS and CNS Urge CMS to Modify New Medicare Value Pathway Program 4.10.20

Apr 10, 2020
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 reduce burden and focus reporting around an episode of care and patient outcomes.

AANS and CNS Urge HHS to Direct COVID-19 Funding to Physicians 4.7.20

Apr 07, 2020
The undersigned organizations represent the hundreds of thousands of physicians who treat our nation’s patients every day. We are writing to request immediate financial assistance for physicians across the country who are taking heroic action to treat patients with the novel coronavirus, providing ongoing care for patients with chronic conditions and urgent needs, and incurring significant financial losses due to postponing non-essential procedures and visits.

AANS and CNS Urge HHS to Direct COVID-19 Funding to Physicians 4.7.20

Apr 07, 2020
The undersigned organizations represent the hundreds of thousands of physicians who treat our nation’s patients every day. We are writing to request immediate financial assistance for physicians across the country who are taking heroic action to treat patients with the novel coronavirus, providing ongoing care for patients with chronic conditions and urgent needs, and incurring significant financial losses due to postponing non-essential procedures and visits.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Program Proposals 4.6.20

Apr 06, 2020
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 14 specialty and subspecialty societies, and dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned proposed rule.

Neurosurgery Comments on Medicare Opioid Prescribing Rules 04.06.20

Apr 06, 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 opioid prescribing provisions of the above-referenced notice of proposed rulemaking.

Letter to Senate Appropriations Committee in Support of FY 2021 Funding for MISSION Zero Act

Mar 31, 2020
As you prepare the Fiscal Year 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, 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 [Public Law No. 116-22].

Neurosurgery Urges Senate to Fund Research on Firearms Safety 03.30.20

Mar 30, 2020
Dear Chairwomen Lowey and DeLauro and Ranking Members Granger and Cole: As you consider appropriations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, the undersigned 200 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 Comments on Washington State Evidence for VNS for Depression 3.30.20

Mar 30, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN) and the Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons (WSANS), we appreciate the opportunity to review the draft evidence report prepared by the Center for Evidence-based Policy of the Oregon Health & Science University for the review of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Neurosurgery Asks CMS for Prior Authorization Relief 3.27.20

Mar 27, 2020
As members of the Regulatory Relief Coalition (RRC), we are writing to request CMS to instruct Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to waive Prior Authorization (PA) requirements for the duration of the national emergency declared by the President (including any extensions).

Neurosurgery Joins Medicine in Requesting COVID-19 Relief 3.25.20

Mar 25, 2020
The undersigned organizations urge Congress to include in the final “stimulus” legislation specific provisions to help physicians sustain their practices and provide their patients with the best possible care during the COVID-19 emergency.

AANS and CNS Join Surgical Coalition in Requesting COVID-19 Relief 3.24.20

Mar 24, 2020
On behalf of the 23 undersigned organizations representing physicians and patients currently faced with the onset of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we write in strong support of your legislation, the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act and we would urge Congress to include this legislation in the COVID-19 relief packages.

Neurosurgery Requests COVID-19 Relief 3.24.20

Mar 24, 2020
Thank you for your leadership and your tireless, around-the-clock efforts during this unprecedented crisis. 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.

Neurosurgery Requests Funds for Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program-House Letter 3.23.20

Mar 23, 2020
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) 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Requests Funds for Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program-Senate Letter 3.23.20

Mar 23, 2020
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) 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Joins Multi-specialty Letter to Noridian Regarding Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation Policy 3.30.20

Mar 20, 2020
On behalf of representatives of twelve medical specialty societies, comprising physicians who utilize and/or perform percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures, we would like to take this opportunity to share comments regarding Noridian’s Local Coverage Determination for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture (L34228).

AANS and CNS Request Delay in AUC Imaging Requirements 3.20.20

Mar 20, 2020
The undersigned organizations applaud the swift action by Congress on passage of an emergency supplemental spending bill to address the most urgent COVID-19 response needs.

Surgical Coalition Asks Congress for COVID-19 Relief 3.19.20

Mar 19, 2020
On behalf of the 22 undersigned organizations representing physicians and patients currently faced with the onset of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we ask your consideration for inclusion of the following provisions as you draft legislation to help stave off the extreme challenges created by the crisis.

Neurosurgery Leads Effort to Prevent Medicare Payment Cuts 3.19.20

Mar 19, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, thank you for your swift efforts to provide relief for the immediate and escalating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you move forward with crafting additional relief packages, we urge you to include provisions to fortify the long-term financial stability of physician and non-physician practices across the health care delivery system.

Surgical Coalition Asks Congress for COVID-19 Relief 3.19.20

Mar 19, 2020
On behalf of the 22 undersigned organizations representing physicians and patients currently faced with the onset of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), we ask your consideration for inclusion of the following provisions as you draft legislation to help stave off the extreme challenges created by the crisis.

Neurosurgery Comments on Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 3.18.20

Mar 18, 2020
On behalf of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”), representing more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 15 specialty and subspecialty societies, we are writing to provide feedback on the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health IT’s 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan.

AANS and CNS Endorse Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act 3.18.20

Mar 18, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we are pleased to support H.R. 6283, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2020, and extend our offer to help advance this critical legislation.

Neurosurgery Joins 150 Groups Asking Congress to Erect Safeguards Around Medicare Demos 03.12.20

Mar 12, 2020
We, the undersigned 149 groups, write to express our strong support for H.R. 5741, the “Strengthening Innovation in Medicare and Medicaid Act.” This bipartisan legislation will make significant strides in addressing patient and provider concerns about the impact of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) demonstrations on access to care and the quality of care.

AANS/CNS Join in Asking Congress for Increased Stroke Research Funding 03.09.20

Mar 09, 2020
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) by including the following allocations in the FY 2021 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill.

AANS and CNS Lead Effort on Surprise Medical Bills 3.4.2020

Mar 04, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned medical organizations, we want to thank you for your efforts to craft a balanced, bipartisan solution to end surprise medical bills for our patients.

AANS and CNS Join Other Groups in Sending Letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee in Support of MISSION ZERO Act,

Feb 12, 2020
As you consider Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations for Fiscal Year FY (2021), the Trauma Coalition, a broad group of organizations representing the nations frontline trauma providers, writes to ask you to provide $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program.

AANS and CNS Join Other Groups in Sending Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee in Support of

Feb 12, 2020
As you consider Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations for Fiscal Year FY (2021), the Trauma Coalition, a broad group of organizations representing the nations frontline trauma providers, writes to ask you to provide $11.5 million in funding for the Military and Civilian Partnership for the Trauma Readiness Grant Program.

Neurosurgery Appreciates Improved Surprise Medical Bill Legislation 2.11.2020

Feb 11, 2020
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) expressed appreciation for the efforts of Ways and Means Committee chair Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and ranking member Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to develop a bipartisan solution to end “surprise” medical bills.

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to First Coast on Coverage for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for Essential Tremor (ET) 2.8.2020

Feb 10, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN), we appreciate the opportunity to express our support for the recent draft local coverage determination (LCD) DL38506 posted by First Coast for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for Essential Tremor (ET).

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to Novitas on Coverage for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for Essential Tremor (ET) 2.8.2020

Feb 08, 2020
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN), we appreciate the opportunity to express our support for the recent draft local coverage determination (LCD) DL38495 posted by Novitas for Magnetic Resonance Image Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for Essential Tremor (ET).

AANS and CNS Comment on Quality Measures 1.31.2020

Jan 31, 2020
The undersigned organizations are writing regarding CMS’ MIPS quality measure selection and removal policy as finalized in the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule/Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule.

Neurosurgery Joins Multispecialty Pain Workgroup in Letter to First Coast on Coverage for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation 1.28.20

Jan 28, 2020
On behalf of representatives of twelve medical specialty societies, comprising physicians who utilize and/or perform percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures, we would like to take this opportunity to share comments regarding First Coast’s Proposed Local Coverage Determination for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Vertebral Compression Fracture (DL34976).

Neurosurgery Joins Multispecialty Pain Workgroup in Letter to Novitas on Coverage for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation 1.28.2020

Jan 28, 2020
On behalf of representatives of twelve medical specialty societies, comprising physicians who utilize and/or perform percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures, we would like to take this opportunity to share comments regarding Novitas’ Proposed Local Coverage Determination for Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Vertebral Compression Fracture (DL35130).

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to Ways and Means Committee on Surprise Medical Bills 01.21.20

Jan 21, 2020
On behalf of the undersigned medical organizations, we want to thank you for your efforts to craft a balanced, bipartisan solution to end unanticipated medical bills.

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to Education and Labor Committee on Surprise Medical Bills 01.21.20

Jan 21, 2020
The medical community remains committed to working with Congress to seek an evenhanded legislative solution to protect patients from unanticipated (“surprise”) medical bills that can occur with narrow health insurance networks and when gaps in health insurance coverage lead them to receive care from out-of-network physicians or other providers, while at the same time facilitating a process to quickly, efficiently and fairly resolve physician and health plan billing disputes.

CV Section Supports Medicare Add-on Payments for Endovascular Treatments 1.3.2020

Jan 03, 2020
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the Cerebrovascular Section of the American Association of Neurosurgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CV Section) to provide comments on the FY 2021 application for New Medical Services and Technologies Add-On Payment (NTAP) by Viz.ai for the ContaCT system.

AANS and CNS Submit Letter to New York Times Editor on Surprise Bills 12. 18.19

Dec 23, 2019
It is offensive to pejoratively declare “Doctors Win Again” when reporting how Congress failed to fully protect patients from surprise insurance gaps before the end of this legislative session.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Asking Congress for Positive Medicare Update 12.23.19

Dec 23, 2019
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.

Neurosurgery Summits Comments to Congress on Cures 2.0 Legislation 12.16.19

Dec 16, 2019
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we appreciate the opportunity to provide our comments on legislation to follow up on the 21st Century Cures Act, P.L. 114-255. We commend you for your efforts to build upon the excellent foundation established in the 21st Century Cures Act and look forward to working with you as you craft important provisions of Cures 2.0.

Neurosurgeons Encouraged by Ways and Means Surprise Medical Bills Framework 12.12.19

Dec 12, 2019
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) expressed appreciation for the efforts of Ways and Means Committee chair Richard Neal (D-Mass.) and ranking member Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to work on a bipartisan solution to end “surprise” medical bills.

Alexander, Pallone, Walden Surprise Medical Bills Compromise Will Harm Patient Access to Care 12.11.19

Dec 11, 2019
Washington, DC—Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) expressed significant concerns with the surprise medical bills provisions of the revised Lower Health Care Costs Act, recently released by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Reps. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Greg Walden R-Ore.).

Letter to House Leadership Regarding Surprise Medical Bills 12.11.19

Dec 11, 2019
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy, Thank you for your leadership on addressing the unfortunate practice of "surprise billing," which leaves patients with unexpected charges after they receive emergency or out-of-network medical care.

Lower Health Care Costs Act Section-by-Section 12.10.19

Dec 10, 2019
TITLE I: Improving Public Health

Neurosurgery Urges CMS to Reverse Course on Global Surgery Payment Rules for 2021

Dec 06, 2019
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 15 specialty and subspecialty societies, and dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to recently finalized policies associated with care management services and payment for evaluation and management (E/M) visits in the aforementioned final rule.

Neurosurgical Practices Write Congress on Surprise Medical Bills 12.05.19

Dec 05, 2019
Dear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy: As Congress continues its efforts to protect patients from surprise medical bills, we hope that you recognize the potentially devastating unintended consequences that certain proposals under consideration could have on smaller and independent physician practices such as ours, and urge you to ensure a thoughtful approach as the various proposals are brought together.

Summary of 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Nov 11, 2019
On Nov. 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Final Rule.

AANS/CNS Comment on Stereotactic Radiosurgery Coverage Policy 11.09.19

Nov 09, 2019
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we appreciate the opportunity to provide our comments on the National Government Services, Inc. (NGS) Local Coverage Determination (LCD) DL 35076 Stereotactic Radiation Therapy: Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).

AANS and CNS Join Alliance in Commenting on Medicare Executive Order 11.08.19

Nov 08, 2019
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.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Commenting on Provider Enrollment Process 11.4.19

Nov 04, 2019
On behalf of more than 100,000 specialty physicians from 15 specialty and subspecialty societies, and dedicated to the development of sound federal health care policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care, the undersigned members of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (the “Alliance”) write in response to the above-referenced final rule with comment period issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Senate Urges CMS to Increase Global Surgery Payments 10.30.19

Oct 30, 2019
We are writing to express our strong opposition to a provision in the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule regarding the values of E/M office visits in global fee payments.

Neurosurgery Joins the Alliance of Specialty Medicine in Supporting the Safe Step Act 10.29.19

Oct 29, 2019
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. As patient and physician advocates, the Alliance writes in support of your legislation, S. 2546, 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.

AANS and CNS Register Concerns about Medicare Executive Order 10.29.19

Oct 29, 2019
The undersigned organizations represent the hundreds of thousands of physicians who treat our nation’s Medicare patients every day. We are committed to working with the Administration on efforts to improve the program. We want to highlight our concerns, however, with a provision in the October 3, 2019 Executive Order entitled, “Protecting and Improving Medicare for our Nation’s Seniors.”

Neurosurgery Endorses Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program 10.24.19

Oct 24, 2019
On behalf of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents, we write in support of the Investment in Tomorrow's Pediatric Health Care Workforce Act (S. 2443), which would reauthorize the Pediatric Subspecialty Loan Repayment Program. Support for pediatric subspecialists is a needed step toward curbing today’s demonstrated critical shortage of pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical specialists, and child and adolescent psychiatrists to help provide children with timely access to the vital health services they need.

AANS and CNS Urge Senate to Adopt Balanced Solution Surprise Medical Bills 10.16.19

Oct 16, 2019
The undersigned medical organizations remain committed to working with Congress to seek a balanced legislative solution to protect patients from unanticipated (“surprise”) medical bills that can occur when gaps in health insurance coverage lead them to receive care from out-of-network physicians or other providers.

AANS and CNS Urge House to Adopt Balanced Solution to Surprise Medical Bills 10.16.19

Oct 16, 2019
The undersigned medical organizations remain committed to working with Congress to seek a balanced legislative solution to protect patients from unanticipated (“surprise”) medical bills that can occur when gaps in health insurance coverage lead them to receive care from out-of-network physicians or other providers.

Neurosurgery Asks Congress for Positive Medicare Payment Updates 10.15.19

Oct 15, 2019
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.

Neurosurgery Urges Senate Appropriations Leaders to Increase Funds for Stroke Research 10.15.19

Oct 15, 2019
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) by adopting the following funding levels as you negotiate the differences in the FY 2020 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Neurosurgery Urges House Appropriations Leaders to Increase Funds for Stroke Research 10.15.19

Oct 15, 2019
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) by adopting the following funding levels as you negotiate the differences in the FY 2020 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

AANS/CNS Comment on CMS’ Action Plan on Pain Management 10.11.19

Oct 11, 2019
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 request for information (RFI) to assist the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its efforts to address opioid addiction.

AANS and CNS Endorse National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month 10.09.19

Oct 09, 2019
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), we would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for introducing S. Res. 329, designating September 2019, as “National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month.”

Organized Neurosurgery Comments on NINDS Strategic Plan 9.30.19

Sep 30, 2019
Organized Neurosurgery Comments on NINDS Strategic Plan 93019

Neurosurgery Joins Registry Coalition in Commenting on Medicare Fee Schedule 9.27.19

Sep 30, 2019
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”) 2020 (the “Proposed Rule” or “NPRM”) relating to Qualified Clinical Data Registries (“QCDRs”).

Neurosurgery Comments on CY 2020 Medicare OPPS/ASC Proposed Rule 9.27.19

Sep 27, 2019
CMS-1717-P Medicare Program: Calendar Year 2020 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs

Congress Urges CMS to Increase Global Surgery Code Values 09.27.19

Sep 27, 2019
Congress Urges CMS to Increase Global Surgery Code Values 09.27.19

Neurosurgery Calls on Congress to Repeal the Medical Device Tax 9.24.19

Sep 24, 2019
On behalf of the over six hundred innovators, patient groups, physicians, hospitals, venture capitalists and other stakeholders signed below representing millions of patients and hundreds of thousands medical technology jobs, we respectfully request that Congress prioritize repeal of the medical device excise tax before it causes any more harm to the innovation ecosystem.

Neurosurgery Joins Medicine in a Letter to CMS Regarding Prior Authorization 9.20.19

Sep 20, 2019
The undersigned physician organizations support the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Patients Over Paperwork initiative and applaud CMS for tackling the challenging issue of prior authorization (PA) as part of your efforts to reduce administrative burdens in health care.

Neurosurgery Comments on Proposed 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 9.13.19

Sep 13, 2019
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 rule-making.

Neurosurgery Joins Alliance in Sending Letter to CMS on Payment Provisions of 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 9.13.19

Sep 13, 2019
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine write in response to proposals outlined in the aforementioned proposed rule, which includes proposals to update the Medicare physician fee schedule for CY 2020 and the Quality Payment Program in Year 4.

Neurosurgeons Statement to the House Committee on Small Business Regarding Utilization Management: Barriers to Care and Burdens on Small Medical Practice 9.11.19

Sep 11, 2019
We appreciate the opportunity to submit a statement for the record regarding your hearing titled, “Utilization Management: Barriers to Care and Burdens on Small Medical Practice.

Neurosurgeons Join Nearly 370 Patient and Provider Groups in Support of Legislation to Streamline Prior Authorization in Medicare 9.10.19

Sep 10, 2019
Today, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) joined nearly 370national and state-based patient, provider and other health care stakeholder groups in a letter to Congress voicing support for H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.

Neurosurgery Joins 370 Patient and Provider Groups to Send Letter of Support for Legislation to Streamline Prior Authorization in Medicare 9.9.19

Sep 09, 2019
The undersigned patient, physician, health care professional, and other health care stakeholder organizations strongly support the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Actof 2019(H.R. 3107) recently introduced by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Roger Marshall, MD(R-KS), and Ami Bera, MD(D-CA).

Neurosurgery Joins Other Groups in Sending Letter to House Ways and Means and Education and Labor Committees on Surprise Medical Bills 9.4.19

Sep 04, 2019
The undersigned organizations are committed to our shared goal of protectingthe patients we serve from surprise medical bills,and keeping them out of the middle of any billing disputes that might arise between insurers and physicians

Hospitals Call for Medical Billing, Prior Authorization Reform 8.19.19

Aug 19, 2019

Jacqueline LaPointe

CMS recently called on industry stakeholders to suggest ways that the agency can reduce administrative burdens, and hospitals did not disappoint...

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to CMS Voicing Strong Opposition to CMS’ Failure to Include E/M Increases in Global Surgery Periods 8.15.19

Aug 15, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Letter to CMS Voicing Strong Opposition to CMS’ Failure to Include E/M Increases in Global Surgery Periods 8.15.19

Neurosurgery Responds to Proposed Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture for Low Back Pain 8.14.19

Aug 14, 2019
Neurosurgery Responds to Proposed Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture for Low Back Pain 8.14.19

Stakeholders Watching Prior Auth In Fee-For-Service Following CMS Proposal 8.13.19

Aug 13, 2019
Michelle M. Stein

Analysts at McDermott Will & Emery say that some health care watchers believe prior authorization-like programs will become increasingly common in fee-for-service Medicare after CMS proposed adding prior authorization to certain hospital procedures in the proposed outpatient hospital rule for 2020, though stakeholders note those requirements are for a fairly small and specific set of circumstances.

Neurosurgery Sends Comments in Response to CMS’ Request for Information on Ways to “Put Patients Over Paperwork” 8.12.19

Aug 12, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Comments in Response to CMS’ Request for Information on Ways to “Put Patients Over Paperwork” 8.12.19

Neurosurgery Joins Regulatory Relief Coalition to Send Comments in Response to CMS’ Request for Information on Ways to “Put Patients Over Paperwork” 8.12.19

Aug 12, 2019
Neurosurgery Joins Regulatory Relief Coalition to Send Comments in Response to CMS’ Request for Information on Ways to “Put Patients Over Paperwork” 8.12.19

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to First Coast on MRgFUS for Essential Tremor 7.30.19

Jul 30, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Letter to First Coast on MRgFUS for Essential Tremor 7.30.19

Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Reps. Flores, Marshall and Babin for H.R. 3984, the Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act 7.29.19

Jul 29, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Reps. Flores, Marshall and Babin for H.R. 3984, the Health Care Safety Net Enhancement Act 7.29.19

Neurosurgery Sends Comments to CGS on Vertebral Augmentation 7.25.19

Jul 25, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Comments to CSG on Vertebral Augmentation 7.25.19

Neurosurgery Send Identical Comments to NGS, WPS, and NHS on Vertebral Augmentation 7.19.19

Jul 19, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Comments to NGS on Vertebral Augmentation 7.19.19

Neurosurgery Joins Other Groups in Sending Letter of Support for H.R. 2781, the EMPOWER for Health Act 7.17.19

Jul 17, 2019
Neurosurgery Joins Other Groups in Sending Letter of Support for H.R. 2781, the EMPOWER for Health Act 7.17.19

Neurosurgery Join Other Groups in Sending a Letter to Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. and Ranking Member Greg Walden Regarding the No Surprises Act 7.16.19

Jul 16, 2019
Neurosurgery Join Other Groups in Sending a Letter to Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. and Ranking Member Greg Walden Regarding the No Surprises Act 7.16.19

Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Sen. Udall for S. 2010, the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education (CCM-CARE) Act 7.6.19

Jul 06, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Sens. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) and Angus King (I-Maine) for S. 1350, the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act of 2019 5.8.19

Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Rep. Lujan for H.R. 3573, the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education (CCM-CARE) Act 7.6.19

Jul 06, 2019
Neurosurgery Sends Letter of Support to Rep. Lujan for H.R. 3573, the Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Clinical Awareness, Research, and Education (CCM-CARE) Act 7.6.19

Neurosurgery Joins AMA in Sending Letter to Reps. Ruiz and Roe on the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2019 7.1.19

Jul 01, 2019
Neurosurgery Joins AMA in Sending Letter to Reps. Ruiz and Roe on the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2019 7.1.19

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