AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain

Honored to discuss our patient's story about prior authorization in @TIME It's an incredibly well-written piece by @AlanaSemuels. time.com/7302346/health… Our staff spends 10-15 hours a week on prior authorization. We highlight a difficult story of pediatric patient with progressive scoliosis who was referred to our center by a good community surgeon for complex surgery. Insurance did not approve surgery. The hours spent by our staff and the stress, anxiety and uncertainty faced by the family was just awful. There is a roll for evidence-based prior authorization. It's necessary part of the economic structure of insurance. This isn't it. @SRS_org @AANSNeuro @CNS_Update @neurosurgery

We are heartbroken to share the tragic news of the sudden passing of Dr. Michael Groff, his wife Dr. Joy Saini, their daughter Karenna, their son Jared, and two close family friends in a plane crash near Copake, New York. A dedicated neurosurgeon, educator, and leader, Mike earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his residency at Mount Sinai. Following a spine fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, he devoted his career to advancing spinal neurosurgery. He served as Division Chief of Neurosurgery Spine and Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital from 2011 to 2024 and was an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. In 2024, he became the Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health. He was also in the process of completing his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management—further reflecting his dedication to leadership and innovation in healthcare. Mike’s leadership was deeply felt across the neurosurgical community. He served as Chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, led the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) as Chair, and contributed to the JNS:Spine Editorial Board from 2016–2021, including as co-chair in 2021. Over his career, he authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and was widely recognized for his thoughtful and impactful contributions to the field. Those who knew Mike remember his wisdom, humility, and warmth. He was a devoted husband and father. We extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones and all who were fortunate to know and work alongside Mike. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—patients, colleagues, trainees, and friends alike. @CNSResidents @CNS_Update @AANSNeuro @NREFORG

We urge Congress to address regulatory barriers that limit access to certain FDA-approved opioid therapies—often the last line of relief for patients. TY to @joshuarosenowMD and @DrAlexKhalessi for your leadership! Read more in #neurosurgery’s press release 👉 aans.org/advocacy/artic…