Members - American Academy of Neurology

A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S
• MAJOR SuCCESS WITH FIVE-yEAR REVIEW. Hard work paid off in 2006
when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced
large increases in work relative value units for the majority of E/M services.
These increases represent an important step toward rewarding time spent
face-to-face with patients rather than on procedures.
• EHR VENDOR REPORT ISSuED. The AAN Electronic Health Records
Work Group released a 50+ page report in 2006 that evaluates EHR
products that best meet the needs of neurologists in small and solo
practices. The report examines the business benefits, functionality, and
financial viability of various EHR vendor applications as they relate to
neurology practices. using this report, neurologists looking to implement
EHR in their practices will save valuable time in researching and
comparing vendors and their products.
• MEDICAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT ACHIEVES FuLL
COMMITTEE STATuS. In October 2006, the MEM Subcommittee was
elevated to committee with three new subcommittees reporting to it:
Coding, Payment Policy, and Practice Management and Technology. The
expansion of the MEM means we will have more resources to dedicate
to ever-important medical economics issues.
• ExPANSION OF BRAINS EDuCATIONAL OPPORTuNITIES. The
Business and Research Administrators in Neurology Society (BRAINS)
introduced programming at the AAN Fall Conference, and doubled
attendance at the BRAINS Colloquium at the Annual Meeting. This
increased participation from practice managers will help our members’
practices run more efficiently.
• PRIVATE PAyER OuTREACH. The AAN drafted a letter regarding new
CPT codes for anticoagulation management therapy services that was
sent to over 60 private payers. The letter was well received and our
efforts will continue in 2007 and beyond, as we seek to cultivate long-term
relationships with private payers through the new Payment Policy
Subcommittee of the MEM.