Quality Improvement

The AANS and CNS are committed to quality improvement and supports innovative efforts to provide high quality, cost-effective care to patients. While Congress has taken the first steps towards implementing quality improvement programs, the current Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS — formerly PQRI) needs to be drastically reworked to better incorporate a system for clinical data collection and reporting. A "one-size-fits-all" approach will not result in better patient outcomes. The AANS and CNS support a pay-for-participation system under which data regarding physician quality are collected in a nonpunitive environment and analyzed using accurate risk‐adjustment mechanisms; public reporting of data only occurs at the aggregate level and not at the individual level; and physicians receive performance feedback continually and in a timely manner. Organized neurosurgery will continue to push the message that Congress should rescind the PQRS penalties, reconsider the value‐based payment modifier and streamline the federal quality improvement programs created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

• Medicare EHR Incentive Program
• Medicare Value Modifier/Physician Feedback

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 and Earlier

The AANS and CNS actively participate in efforts to measurably improve patient safety and quality of care, including advocacy related to the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act. This law created a voluntary reporting program through which health care providers can share information relating to patient safety events with patient safety organizations (PSOs) on a confidential basis to improve patient safety.

• Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research
• AMA Patient Safety