Neurosurgery Featured in Articles about Prior Authorization

On Oct. 8, John K. Ratliff, MD, FAANS, chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee, was featured in a Ritz Herald article titled “Prior Authorization Relief Bill Reaches Significant Milestone.” In pointing out that H.R. 3173, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, now has enough co-sponsors to pass the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Ratliff noted, “The need to modernize prior authorization is now. The burden of prior authorization has reached a critical stage as health plans continue to delay and deny medically necessary services to patients who have critical health care needs.”

Meanwhile, on Oct. 20, Katie O. Orrico, Esq., AANS/CNS senior vice president for health policy and advocacy, was featured in a WIBW article titled, “Sen. Marshall Working to Prioritize Patients Over Paperwork.” The piece reported on the introduction of S. 3018, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would improve timely access to quality care for seniors under Medicare Advantage. Ms. Orrico stated, “The bill is a carefully crafted, bipartisan work product that reflects significant input from all direct stakeholders. The congressional team behind this bill focused on transparency, oversight, and modernization of the Medicare Advantage program to benefit patients and the providers and health plans who serve them. We eagerly await congressional action. The bill is ready for the finish line.”