Spotlight on Resolutions Passed
The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS) met in San Francisco, California, April 7-8, 2000, to discuss a wide range of socioeconomic issues impacting neurosurgeons. Resolutions passed ranged from developing a survey of neurosurgeons regarding their opinions on the unification of neurosurgery to support for a joint coding and reimbursement committee.
Unifying Neurosurgery
Given the similar missions of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) – to provide education and social discourse to its members – attention was focused on the need for two administrative infrastructures. The Council passed a resolution to poll members of both groups on whether they wish to continue to have two organizations or establish one administratively merged association. The Council also passed a resolution asking that the current and Immediate-Past Chair of the CSNS participate in future Joint Strategic Planning deliberations.
Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Act
A resolution in support of the “Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Act” was passed with several provisions. The bill supports patients’ right to seek redress of legal grievances with HMO’s. The Council agreed that the bill should include a provision that punitive damages should neither be distributed to the plaintiff nor the prosecuting attorneys. Rather, punitive damages should be distributed to address state medical needs, as determined by judicial authorities. By doing so, the patient’s right to quality medical care will be assured while avoiding unnecessary litigation.
Pass Campbell Bill, Crusade Across America
A resolution was passed urging the AANS and CNS, in conjunction with the American Medical Association (AMA), to develop educational materials (brochures, slides, etc.) for physicians to advise the public, media and federal, state and local officials about the importance of HR 1304, the “Quality Health Care Coalition Act.” The bill will allow physicians to negotiate the terms and conditions of their health plans without violating antitrust laws.
The resolution, submitted by Donald J. Prolo, MD, also calls for the AANS and CNS to assist in the formation of state medical society Medical Crisis Committees on Public Education, as well as for the AANS and CNS delegates to the AMA to work with the American Medical Association to initiate a Medical Crusade Across America. The initiative, which will be held in cooperation with various medical specialty societies throughout the U.S., is aimed at urging Congress to pass, and President Clinton to sign, HR 1304.
Think First Foundation
Support for the Think First Foundation was an important topic, as evidenced in a resolution passed by the Council requesting the AANS and CNS leadership to renew their commitment to the Foundation and its mission of injury prevention. The resolution requests the leaders of both groups to: 1) Renew their level of financial support for the Foundation; 2) Assist the Foundation in identifying potential funding sources and help with the cultivation and solicitation of major vendor proposals; 3) Maximize exposure of the Foundation with neurosurgeons and vendors at the national meetings of the AANS and CNS; 4) Encourage neurosurgeons to financially support the Foundation and launch new programs in their communities; and 5) Provide $5,000 of support to the Think First effort.
Spine/Brain Injury Prevention Education
Given the growing number of brain and spinal cord injuries sustained by children each year, the Council passed a resolution requesting each CSNS representative to work with his or her legislator to implement a core curriculum that promotes stopping violent or risk-taking behavior among students in grades K-3 and 9-12. The curriculum should integrate the learning methods developed by the Think First Foundation and stress: reading and language; writing, including creative and formal techniques; mathematics, including statistical analysis and probability; anatomy and health; observational experience and deductive reasoning in predicting consequences and modifying behavior; and individual responsibility in promoting safety.
Emphasis on Coding and Reimbursement
The Council passed a resolution asking the AANS and CNS to expand and adequately fund the Physician Reimbursement and Coding Committee. The resolution calls for the leaders of the AANS and CNS to work with the Sections in identifying members to serve as liaisons to the committee and provide expertise in the area of coding and reimbursement.
Increase Speaker Diversity
Recognizing the main goal of the AANS and CNS Annual Meetings is to foster an exchange of new ideas, techniques and information, the CSNS passed a resolution to poll meeting attendees on their suggestion for speakers for future venues. Such feedback will be instrumental in enhancing and expanding the quality of future meetings