Each year, the American Academy of Neurology hosts a conference in Washington, D.C., called Neurology on the Hill. This event gives neurologists and related professionals an opportunity to discuss critical national policy issues with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. It also serves the purpose of educating members of government about health care and needed reforms.
In 2014, Neurology on the Hill addressed the importance of neurologists to the health care system, the preservation of Medicaid patient access to neurologists, and the permanent repeal of the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. In respect to the latter, the organization supports abolishing the Medicare SGR formula in order to deter future costly funding shortfalls and budgetary patches. As of 2014, $164 billion has been spent to make amends for short-term payment cuts triggered by the SGR formula. The Academy believes that a permanent solution will preserve the integrity of the Medicare program.