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1. CMS/Reimbursement issues.
A. In August 2005, CMS proposed changes to the methodology of for calculating practice expenses under the Medicare Fee Schedule. This would have decreased Medicare reimbursement to neurosurgeons by 3%. As a result of extensive lobbying by AANS, CNS and other specialties, CMS announced on 11/2/05 the adoption of 2 new policy changes which include changes in calculating malpractice expenses and reductions in payments for multiple imaging studies which together result in a 0.5% increase in reimbursement for neurosurgeons.
B. CMS has again refused to make changes in SGR formula.
2. NIH Budget
A. HHS has cut the budget by 1% or $286M. As a result, all non-competing research grants will by funded at 97.65 %.
B. NINDS budget has been cut by 0.05 %.
C. Various proposals have been forwarded by the house and senate to increase budget by up to $7 Billion but outcome is not yet clear.
3. Coding for Stereotactic Radiosurgery
ASTRO, AANS and CNS leadership have agreed to a joint definition of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) which recognizes the integral role neurosurgeons play in radiosurgery of the brain and spine, recognizes that SRS may be done in up to five fractions, and that SRS may use robotic techonology.
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