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Political Issues
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The Congress of Neurological Surgeons maintains advocacy on numerous issues impacting neurosurgeons, affiliated specialists, and patients worldwide. The CNS works directly with the AANS/CNS Washington Committee in developing legislative efforts. The CNS also works closely with other neurosurgical groups such as CSNS, FIENS, WINS as well as related medical organizations on issues affecting neurosurgeons and their patients. Examples of areas of focus include the medical liability insurance crisis, Medicare physician payment issues, and developing practice guidelines and position statements related to specific areas of neurosurgical practice.
The Washington Committee for Neurosurgery (WC) was founded in 1984 and is a joint committee of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and American Association of Neurosurgeons. It is dedicated to promoting sound federal public policy that supports neurosurgeons and the patients they serve. Headquartered in Washington, DC near the White House, the WC interacts daily with Congress; the White House; federal agencies including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration; and other healthcare organizations. The WC also works in collaboration with other medical associations, including the American Medical Association, America College of Surgeons, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, Doctors for Medical Liability Reform and dozens of others. In the past several years, some of the WC’s accomplishments include:
- Organizing a coalition of 11 high-risk medical specialties aimed at passing federal medical liability reform
- Increasing Medicare reimbursement for neurosurgeons by revamping individual codes and working for system increases related to the annual update and professional liability insurance component
- Working with CMS to clarify the EMTALA regulations
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