VOLUME 34 · ISSUE 12 · DECEMBER 2022
GOOD NEWS FOR NEUROLOGY IN 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issues regulations that impact the reimbursement of physicians. On November 1, 2022, CMS issued a final rule updating payment policies and rates for physicians paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2023. The final rule illustrates the importance of the AAN’s regulatory advocacy efforts on behalf of neurologists and their patients. The AAN previously submitted 50 pages of detailed comments in response to the various proposals made by CMS in July. Due to budget neutrality requirements, CMS is projecting that the overall impact of changes finalized in this rule will result in a -1 percent change in payments to neurology as a specialty broadly. The expiration of temporary pandemic-related relief measures at year end has forced CMS to finalize a reduction in the fee schedule conversion factor of nearly 4.5 percent. The AAN is committed to payment reform efforts to promote a sustainable payment system and to working with regulators and legislators to ensure that CMS appropriately values the work done by neurologists. Working with Congress to avert the impending cuts before the end of the year will continue to be a top priority for the AAN. The AAN strongly urges you to tell your representatives to take action before the end of the year to prevent impending cuts. Continued on page 10
Keep Your Benefits! Renew Your Membership by December 31 Be sure you renew your AAN membership by December 31, so you can go into 2023 with uninterrupted access to the highest quality resources—when you need them—from the world’s largest and most trusted community of neurology professionals. Remember: your AAN membership benefits* are valued at up to $4,000 and provide you with exclusive access to: 350+ online courses, videos, and exams
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Implement These Patient Communication Best Practices to Increase Efficiency
Need to Use CME Dollars by Year End? Register Now for 2023 Annual Meeting Don’t lose your 2022 CME dollars—use them to secure registration for the 2023 AAN Annual Meeting coming April 22–27 both in person in Boston and live online. Visit AAN.com/AM today—when you register now you also save with deep early registration discounts! Continued on page 8
Top scientific resources, including 48 issues per year of Neurology ®, the most widely read and highly cited peer-reviewed neurology journal Trusted AAN clinical practice guidelines, free member publications, and award-winning patient education resources to help you provide up-to-date care
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Boston & Virtual • April 22–27
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13 Check out These Online Learning Opportunities
22 2022 Was a Busy
Year for IDEAS Initiatives