2026 Virtual Neurosurgical Coding and Reimbursement
Overview
Staying current with new coding requirements, shifting reimbursement policies and daily practice demands is challenging.
The Virtual Neurosurgical Coding and Reimbursement Course prepares clinical, professional and administrative staff to navigate these pressures with confidence.
Attendees learn the most up-to-date ICD10 and CPT guidance specific to neurosurgical practices and gain a clear understanding of how quality reporting impacts documentation, compliance and reimbursement.
Through collaborative training, case-based teaching and live Q&A, participants learn to accurately apply and assign CPT codes for common neurosurgical procedures. The course features practical instruction that strengthens documentation language and diagnosis coding specificity. Learn from neurosurgical coding experts who help you maximize reimbursement, overcome revenue cycle challenges and implement best practices that support efficient processes.
Choose from three focused virtual tracks that address the unique elements of spine, cranial and pediatric procedures. Register for the entire course bundle or choose an individual topic.
Your registration includes a printed workbook that supports learning during the sessions and serves as an invaluable reference for coding changes throughout the year.
Accreditation
The AANS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians.
When
2026 AANS Neurosurgical Coding & Reimbursement Course: Spring
- Pediatric-Focused: June 18, 2026
- Spine-Focused: June 4-5, 2026
- Cranial-Focused: June 11-12, 2026
Who Should Attend
Whether you’re new to neurosurgical coding or sharpening advanced skills, this course gives you the tools to code with confidence and accuracy.
You will learn to:
- Apply the latest ICD10 and CPT updates
- Strengthen your revenue cycle and reduce denials
- Stay compliant with clear, reliable practice management guidance
- Quickly and accurately confirm correct coding and billing
Each attendee must register under their own name to ensure accurate participation and access to materials.
Course Co-directors
Mark Oppenlander, MD, FAANS
Clemens M. Schirmer, MD, PhD, MBA, FAANS, FACS, FAHA
Agenda is subject to change. Times are listed in local Central Time
Video or audio recording or photographing any portion of this course is strictly prohibited by the AANS.
Spine Focused
| Day 1 – June 4, 2026 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Please note: all times are in Central Time Zone |
|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:05 pm | Welcome and Introduction |
| 1:05 – 2:00 pm | Highlights of E/M Coding |
| 2:00 – 2:30 pm | Coding and Billing Essentials |
| 2:30 – 3:15 pm | Global Package and Modifiers |
| 3:15 – 3:45 pm | Intro to Spine Coding, instrumentation, and bone grafts |
| 3:45 –4:00 pm | Dissecting a Spine op note |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
| Day 2 – June 5, 2026 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Please note: all times are in Central Time Zone |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:05 am | Welcome and Introduction |
| 8:05 am – 4:00 pm Break 10:00 am – 10:15 am Lunch 12:00 – 12:45 pm Break 3:00 – 3:15 pm | ACDF, ALIF, Total Disc Arthoplasty Corpectomy Procedures Posterior Spine Procedures: Laminoplasty. Laminectomy, Discectomy, Lesions Posterior arthrodesis Exploration of fusion, hardware removal/revision Other Spine Procedures Spinal Deformity Trauma Factures Spinal Cord Stimulators Spinal Complications |
| 3:30- 4:00 pm | Medicare Update 2025 and Coverage policies |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
Cranial Focused
| Day 1 – June 11, 2026 1:00 – 4:00 pm | Please note: all times are in Central Time Zone |
|---|---|
| 1:00 – 1:05 pm | Welcome and Introduction |
| 1:05 – 1:45 pm | Highlights of E/M Coding |
| 1:45 – 2:30 pm | Coding and Billing Essentials Global Surgical Package and Modifiers Co Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon |
| 2:30 – 3:00 pm | Dissecting a Cranial Operative Note |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Introduction to Cranial Coding: |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
| Day 2 – June 12, 2026 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Please note: all times are in Central Time Zone |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:05 am | Welcome and Introduction |
| 8:05 am – 4:00 pm Break 10:00 am – 10:15 am Lunch 12:00 – 12:45 pm Break 3:00 – 3:15 pm | Cranial Tumor and Abscess Coding Pituitary, CP Angle and Skull Base coding Cranial Trauma Open Cerebrovascular Coding Neuroendovascular Procedure Coding Neuroendoscopy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, VP Shunt DBS, RNS, and Epilepsy Procedures |
| 3:15 – 3:25 pm | Cranial Complications |
| 3:25 – 4:00 pm | Medicare Update and Coverage Policies 2025 |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
Pediatric Focused
| Day 1 – June 18, 2026 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Please note: all times are in Central Time Zone |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:05 am | Welcome and Introduction |
| 8:05 am – 4:00 pm Break 10:00 am – 10:15 am Lunch 12:00 – 12:45 pm Break 3:00 – 3:15 pm | Cranial Tumor and Abscess Coding Pituitary, CP Angle and Skull Base coding Cranial Trauma Open Cerebrovascular Coding Neuroendovascular Procedure Coding Neuroendoscopy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, VP Shunt DBS, RNS, and Epilepsy Procedures |
| 3:15 – 3:25 pm | Cranial Complications |
| 3:25 – 4:00 pm | Medicare Update and Coverage Policies 2025 |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn |
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Requests for cancellation must be received in writing 2 weeks prior to the start of the course to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. Email cancellation requests to education@aans.org.
The AANS reserves the right to cancel a course. Registrants will be notified by email. In the event of course cancellation, registration fees are refundable.
NO-SHOWS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRANSFERS OR REFUNDS.
Video or audio recording or photographing any portion of this course is strictly prohibited by the AANS.
Early Bird ends May 4, 2026
2026 Course Dates:
All times for the course are listed in Central Time (CT).
2026 AANS Neurosurgical Coding & Reimbursement Course: Spring
- Spine Focused: June 4-5, 2026
- Cranial Focused: June 11-12, 2026
- Pediatric Focused: June 18, 2026
What Past Attendees Say:
“As a new attending surgeon, this course was extremely valuable in teaching me basic and advanced concepts in billing and coding. I now understand how to code and document appropriately.”
“All the presenters were wonderful and gave me information on what’s going on with Medicare and the Inspector General on things to watch out for on compliance.”
“This is a great resource of knowledge in the coding world.”
“The faculty did a great job explaining things clearly for clinical and non-clinical audiences.”
“I took your course for the first time and loved it. The information compiled will be my Bible in helping my providers and coding staff.”
“There is so much valuable information in the workbook. The course reassured me of a few coding questions I had for bundling edits, co-surgeon, and prior authorization.”
Course Information and Tips:
All times for the course are listed in Central Time (CT).
All workbooks will be shipped prior to the course. Please be sure your shipping address is correct when placing your workbook order.
This course uses the Zoom platform. Your Zoom account should be your First and Last name used to register for the course.
Please note: This course will not be recorded due to copyrighted ownership of presenting organization(s). Therefore, any portion missed during the live course, will not be available for future viewing or course refund.
Shipping Policies
Shipping addresses cannot be out of the United States or a PO Box.
Cancellation Policies:
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Requests for cancellation must be received in writing 2 weeks prior to the start of the course to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. Email or fax written cancellation, substitutions, or transfer requests to education@aans.org.
The AANS reserves the right to cancel a course. Registrants will be notified by phone and a formal letter of cancellation will follow in the mail. In the event of course cancellation, registration fees are refundable; however, airline and hotel penalties are the responsibility of the registrant.
NO-SHOWS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRANSFERS OR REFUNDS.
Video or audio recording or photographing any portion of this course is strictly prohibited by the AANS.
*Early registration ends 5/4/2026
| Spine Only | Cranial Only | Pediatric Only | Full Course Registration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AANS Member Physician | $650 | $650 | $275 | $1,299 |
| $750 | $750 | $375 | $1,399 | |
| Non-Member Physician | $700 | $700 | $300 | 1,399 |
| $800 | $800 | $400 | $1,499 | |
| Advanced Practice Provider, Office Staff, Coder | $600 | $600 | $250 | $1,199 |
| $650 | $650 | $350 | $1,299 | |
| Resident/Fellow or Military | $400 | $400 | $55 | $800 |
| $500 | $500 | $155 | $750 |
