FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON March 04, 2010

Neurologists on Capitol Hill to Push for Health Care Reform

ST. PAUL, Minn. -

What: More than 100 neurologists from 40 states will be in Washington, DC, March 8-9, 2010, for “Neurology on the Hill,” an event hosted by the ��ɫ���� to educate lawmakers about the need for health care reform changes that consider neurologists and the patients they treat, including people with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, concussion and autism. Where: Congressional offices, Washington, DC When: March 8-9, 2010 Key Issues: The goal of “Neurology on the Hill” is to inform key lawmakers on priority issues that affect neurologists and the patients they treat. The Academy’s priorities for 2010 are health care reform and Medicare reimbursement. The Academy supports legislation to avert any further cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement by replacing the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula with one based on the Medical Economic Index, which measures annual practice cost increases, as has been advised by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. Paying physicians according to the actual costs associated with treating patients is necessary to maintain consistent access to providers. As broader health reform proposals are considered, the Academy also supports efforts to recognize neurologists as the principal care providers for complex neurologic conditions. Since 2003, more than 400 members of the AAN have participated in “Neurology on the Hill.” To view a list of AAN neurologists participating in the 2010 “Neurology on the Hill,” visit http://www.aan.com/go/advocacy/active/noh/attendees.

, an association of more than 22,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. For more information about the ��ɫ����, visit .