Comment on CMS-2026-1256-0002
American Association of Neurological Surgeons / Congress of Neurological SurgeonsSupportAdvocacy
Summary: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) support the creation of new MS-DRGs for complex spinal fusion procedures but urge CMS to base these on clinical complexity rather than specific devices. They also support the inclusion of physician-owned hospitals (POHs) in the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), advocating for voluntary participation without restrictive geographic or ownership-based limitations.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) respectfully submit the attached comment letter in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Fiscal Year 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems (IPPS) Proposed Rule. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on these important issues affecting Medicare beneficiaries, physicians, and hospitals.