Updates
Timely Access to Care
The Washington Committee has supported the timely access to care by its sponsorship of the Safe Ste Act (HR 2279/S2546) and the Seniors Timely Access to Care Act (HR 3107).
Fix the Medical Liability System
The Washington committee has addressed tort reform via its sponsorship of the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act (S1350) and the ACCESS Act (HR3656).
Resident GME Support
The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (S. 348/H.R. 1763) would provide Medicare funding for an additional 15,000 residency slots (3,000 per year for five years). The AANS, CNS and SNS have joined more than 75 organizations in supporting this legislation, which is still pending.
Opioid Reform
The Washington committee continues to stand behind the SUPPORT act which is being implemented by HHS.
Reimbursement Reform
Washington Committee has supported the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act (S2812) the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act (HR3302).
Global Surgery Codes
Letter written to CMS, protesting failure to increase global surgery codes to reflect increases in the updated office visit codes. Notably, CMS has announced that it will not include increased EM value in the 10- and 90-day neurosurgery codes.
Regulatory Committee
Josh Rosenow, MD. FAANS, and Shabbar Danish, MD, FAANS, have agreed to serve as an ad hoc subcommittee to rapidly address coverage, reimbursement and regulatory issues. They have been active several times in this role.
Rapid Response Actions for Coverage
- Anthem Request for Policy on VNS: Anthem has requested input regarding the use of closed loop VNS devices. Several responded to the survey submitted in April and under consideration.
- Washington State HCA requests VNS comment: The AANS/CNS/ASSGN have submitted a statement addressing the use of VNS for TRD. A planned meeting on May 15 has been converted to webinar and Dr. Gwinn has agreed to make a brief presentation.
Goals and Ongoing Activities
- Alleviate physician burden through medical liability reform.
- Restructure Medicare quality improvement.
- Expand support for Medicare funding.
- Abolish the independent payment advisory board.
- Comprehensive opioid reform.
Summary
The ASSFN liaison to the Washington Committee summarized the ongoing activity of the AANS/CNS committee. Ongoing activities include advocacy for timely access to care, liability reform, resident support, opioid legislation and representation of coding reform interests. The ASSFN has also named an ad hoc regulatory committee headed by Drs. Rosenow and Danish. Over the past year this group has addressed insurance coverage concerns regarding laser ablation for epilepsy and VNS for depression, among others.