Advocacy

Neurosurgery Sends Letter to Senator Bill Cassidy Regarding the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act

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Partial letter text is shown below. Click Download PDF button below to view full letter.

The Honorable Bill Cassidy
United States Senate
520 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Submitted electronically via transparency@cassidy.senate.gov

SUBJECT: Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Ac

Dear Dr. Cassidy,

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), representing more than 4,000 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on your draft legislation the “Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act.” Americans continue to struggle with rising health care costs, including high deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. As such, a balanced solution for cost-sharing between patients, physicians and health plans is a priority for organized neurosurgery. In formulating legislation to prevent such a practice, it is essential to understand the origin of these “surprise” bills the interpretation of current legislation or absence of legislation that has created an environment for this billing practice to occur.

Patients deserve access to the physicians of their choice which at times may require seeking care from out-of-network physicians. Unfortunately, the current health care delivery system, with its arcane rules, narrow networks, and lack of transparency, often leaves patients vulnerable. As physicians, we can, and must do better, to assure that our patients are not left with medical bills that can soar into the thousands of dollars, leaving them financially vulnerable. The AANS and CNS, thus, applaud your effort to tackle this issue, and your draft bill, the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act, is a good starting point for these discussions. We appreciate your willingness to work with the medical community to refine your bill, as we have some concerns about the draft, and urge you to make changes to reflect our comments.

Click Download PDF button below to view full letter.

Benefits of Membership

“The AANS/CNS Spine Section brings together neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, spine surgery fellows, as well as residents and advanced practice providers focused on spinal surgery. The Spine Section advances our interests, represents us in national advocacy, and disseminates science. Becoming a member means joining this exceptional community and helping it grow.” ...Read More >