Subcommittee Information
Coding and Reimbursement
Chaired by Clemens M. Schirmer, MD, the Coding and Reimbursement Subcommittee leads organized neurosurgery’s engagement in critical federal and commercial insurer payment policy. The subcommittee serves as a vital link between the specialty and key regulatory bodies, including the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel and the AMA/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC). With a strategic focus on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rulemaking, the subcommittee actively monitors and influences the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), as well as the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). By addressing Methodist’s changes in Medicare Advantage and ongoing regulatory shifts, the subcommittee works to alleviate the growing financial pressures on neurosurgical practices and the patients they serve.
Drugs and Devices
Chaired by Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, the Drugs and Devices Subcommittee is dedicated to fostering neurosurgical innovation through strategic partnerships and regulatory expertise. The subcommittee serves as a critical bridge between the specialty and regulatory bodies, strengthening collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that neurosurgical interests are represented in the development of medical technology. Central to its mission is educating the neurosurgical community about the complexities of drug and device pathways, equipping members with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
American Medication Association HOD
Led by Joshua M. Rosenow, MD, the AMA HOD Subcommittee oversees organized neurosurgery’s strategic participation in the American Medical Association’s policymaking process. The subcommittee is responsible for developing impactful resolutions and coordinating delegation strategies to ensure a unified voice for the specialty. By aligning AMA advocacy priorities with the Washington Committee’s broader federal policy objectives, the subcommittee ensures that neurosurgical interests are effectively represented within the nation’s largest physician organization.
Communications and Public Relations
Led by Krystal Tomei, MD, the Communications and Public Relations Subcommittee is dedicated to amplifying organized neurosurgery policy priorities through a multifaceted outreach strategy. By leveraging strategic storytelling and traditional media engagement, the subcommittee ensures that the specialty’s voice is heard by key stakeholders and the general public alike. Furthermore, the group utilizes modern digital communications to broaden the reach of the Washington Committee’s advocacy efforts, translating complex policy issues into compelling narratives that drive engagement and support for the neurosurgical community.
Neurosurgery Quality Council
Led by John “Jack” Knightly, MD, the Neurosurgery Quality Council (NQC) serves as the strategic lead for organized neurosurgery regarding quality measurement, data registries, and federal value-based payment models. Drawing on deep clinical and policy expertise across subspecialties, the NQC plays a key role in shaping national healthcare standards. The Council prioritizes the specialty’s interests through direct, ongoing engagement with CMS, Congress, and other influential healthcare stakeholders, advancing the transition to high-value, data-driven patient care.
Joint Guidelines Committee
Led by Jennifer Sweet, MD, the Joint Guidelines Review Committee (JGRC) is currently undergoing a strategic modernization of its operations to enhance the development and review of clinical standards. Recent initiatives include the transition to electronic review systems and the creation of a comprehensive tracking database to provide global oversight of review timelines and outcomes. Following the 2025 approval of updated endorsement language, the committee is now implementing new nomenclature to accommodate modern products like CNS Practice Parameters. Additionally, the JGRC is spearheading a collaboration to overhaul the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) training module and has established a formalized yearly nomination cycle to ensure diverse and rotating leadership across all joint sections.