Neurosurgery Reiterates Opposition to Prior Authorization Requirements for Spine Procedures

On April 7, the AANS and the CNS joined a diverse coalition of 40 state and national health care organizations reiterating their strong opposition to the expansion of prior authorization in Medicare. Despite the demonstrated problems with prior authorization, the CMS has inappropriately expanded its use in Medicare’s fee-for-service program. Last year, CMS established a nationwide prior authorization process to include critical spine services — cervical fusion with disc removal and implanted spinal neurostimulators — provided in hospital outpatient departments. Over the objections of the AANS and the CNS, 50 bipartisan members of Congress and others, the new requirements go live on July 1. The AANS and the CNS are working to delay or halt the new requirements, including meeting with senior Biden Administration officials and key members of Congress.

Click here to read the coalition letter and here for the AANS and the CNS press release about the coalition letter.