SUBJECT: Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act
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.
…
Read full letter here
