Neurosurgery Urges White House to Finalize Updated Stark/Anti-kickback Rules

On Aug. 5, the CNS and the AANS joined more than 120 organizations representing physicians, hospitals, life sciences companies and employers in sending a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking for his support and prompt adoption of proposed reforms to the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) regulations. The letter states that improvements to the Stark and AKS regulations will foster collaboration and innovation among health care stakeholders, allowing hospitals, physicians, device manufacturers and others to deliver better care at a lower cost. Pointing out that these regulations were built for a fee-for-service delivery and payment system, the letter notes that they do not work in a value-based health care system.

The neurosurgery organizations also collaborated with nearly 20 physician organizations in sending a letter conveying the same message.