Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-03-10DOI: 10.1055/a-2554-1069
Jacob Pellinen, Jeffrey Buchhalter
{"title":"Learning Health Systems and Improvement Science in Neurology.","authors":"Jacob Pellinen, Jeffrey Buchhalter","doi":"10.1055/a-2554-1069","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2554-1069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although the quality movement in healthcare in the United States has been maturing for the last several decades, neurology remains a frontier of work related to learning healthcare systems (LHS) and the science of improvement. This review describes the use of LHS models in neurology and the use of Improvement Science to advance position system changes and improve care. LHSs are broadly understandable, widely supported, and have a developing yet proven track record. However, there are distinct challenges at multiple levels in successful implementation, as well as nuances related to variability in practice patterns and institutions. This review outlines these hurdles and approaches to addressing them. There are examples of effective work currently being conducted in this emerging field, with an emphasis on two subspecialties that have been the primary early adopters of these models and methodology within neurology: stroke and epilepsy. As LHS models take shape in neurology subspecialties, there will be an ongoing need for collaboration and iterative change to support continuous improvement in systems of care and improve outcomes for patients with neurologic disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"457-462"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-30DOI: 10.1055/a-2596-5978
Jose M Rocha
{"title":"Navigating Insurance Contract Negotiations: A Practical Guide for Neurologists.","authors":"Jose M Rocha","doi":"10.1055/a-2596-5978","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2596-5978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effective negotiation with health insurance payers is crucial for neurology practices to maintain financial sustainability and optimal patient care. This paper outlines strategic approaches to payer negotiations, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining practice strengths, understanding market conditions, and leveraging detailed contextual data to counter incomplete or misleading payer analytics. Specific considerations discussed include customer service efficiency, claims management, provider-payer relationships, clinical management policies, contract terms, and fee schedule clarity. We present actionable negotiation strategies illustrated by a case study, highlighting tactics such as targeted utilization reports, social media advocacy, and data-driven reimbursement proposals. Additionally, practical advice is provided on managing payer interactions, addressing common administrative inefficiencies, and strategically limiting patient volumes when negotiations stall. This structured negotiation approach empowers neurologists to effectively align clinical value with payer objectives, ensuring fair reimbursement and enhanced practice viability.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"487-491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144188391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-16DOI: 10.1055/a-2595-3422
Kara Stavros, Amy Guzik
{"title":"Neurological Advocacy.","authors":"Kara Stavros, Amy Guzik","doi":"10.1055/a-2595-3422","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2595-3422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advocacy is an important part of the practice of neurology integral to optimal patient care and research. Opportunities exist for neurologists to further their engagement in advocacy outside of the office, and neurologists are well-positioned to share their knowledge and expertise as advocates. Many barriers to care, such as the cost of and access to prescription drugs, have an outsized impact on patients with neurological conditions, which underscores the importance of neurological advocacy. Advocacy opportunities span many different forms and range from local to global in scale. The benefits to a neurology career can be vast, from improved knowledge of health care systems to leadership opportunities, to networking among colleagues and community leaders, and enhanced academic profiles. Numerous resources are available for neurologists seeking further engagement in advocacy for their patients and profession.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"529-534"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-07-23DOI: 10.1055/a-2618-7722
David M Greer
{"title":"Neil A. Busis, MD, FAAN, and Benjamin R. Kummer, MD, FAAN.","authors":"David M Greer","doi":"10.1055/a-2618-7722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2618-7722","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":"45 4","pages":"431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144700210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-03-21DOI: 10.1055/a-2563-9844
Valdery Moura Junior, Benjamin R Kummer, Lidia M V R Moura
{"title":"Population Health in Neurology and the Transformative Promise of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models.","authors":"Valdery Moura Junior, Benjamin R Kummer, Lidia M V R Moura","doi":"10.1055/a-2563-9844","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2563-9844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This manuscript examines the expanding role of population health strategies in neurology, emphasizing systemic approaches that address neurological health at a community-wide level. Key themes include interdisciplinary training in public health, policy reform, biomedical informatics, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs). In doing so, neurologists increasingly adopt a holistic perspective that targets the social determinants of health, integrates advanced data analytics, and fosters cross-sector collaborations-ensuring that prevention and early intervention are central to their efforts. Innovative applications, such as predictive analytics for identifying high-risk populations, digital twin technologies for simulating patient outcomes, and AI-enhanced diagnostic tools, illustrate the transition in neurology from reactive care to proactive, data-driven interventions. Examples of transformative practices include leveraging wearable health technologies, telemedicine, and mobile clinics to improve early detection and management of neurological conditions, particularly in underserved populations. These emerging methodologies expand access to care while offering nuanced insights into disease progression and community-specific risk factors. The manuscript emphasizes health disparities and ethical considerations in designing inclusive, data-driven interventions. By harnessing emerging technologies within frameworks that prioritize equity, neurologists can reduce the burden of neurological diseases, improve health outcomes, and establish a sustainable, patient-centered model of care benefiting both individuals and entire communities. This integration of technology, interdisciplinary expertise, and community engagement fosters a future where brain health is preventive, accessible, and equitable.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"445-456"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-26DOI: 10.1055/a-2619-2397
Nathalie Jette, Amy Y X Yu, Celine Odier, Julian Alejandro Rivillas, Alice Schabas, Michael D Hill
{"title":"Neurological Practice in Canada.","authors":"Nathalie Jette, Amy Y X Yu, Celine Odier, Julian Alejandro Rivillas, Alice Schabas, Michael D Hill","doi":"10.1055/a-2619-2397","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2619-2397","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article explores Canada's healthcare system, focusing on neurological care delivery and available national population-based data for research. Canada's publicly funded, provincially administered healthcare ensures universal access to medically necessary services, with provincial variations in coverage. Neurological care is predominantly hospital-centered, with support from advocacy groups promoting equity and research. In Quebec, stroke care is structured through regional service corridors, integrating telemedicine and geolocation-based transfer models to mitigate urban-rural disparities. British Columbia confronts challenges in providing neurological care to rural populations, utilizing outreach clinics, tele-neurology, and subsidized transportation. The First Nations Health Authority addresses unique healthcare access and governance needs for Indigenous populations. Canada's healthcare infrastructure supports population-level research via linked administrative and electronic health records, enabling comprehensive evaluations of healthcare utilization, outcomes, and quality metrics. Despite interprovincial differences and coverage limitations, advancements in data interoperability and standardization have propelled neurologic health services research.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"535-549"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152307","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-03-17DOI: 10.1055/a-2542-0270
Larry B Goldstein, S Andrew Josephson
{"title":"Funds Flow in Academic Neurology Departments.","authors":"Larry B Goldstein, S Andrew Josephson","doi":"10.1055/a-2542-0270","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2542-0270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The term \"funds flow\" refers to the financial relationships between the schools or colleges of medicine and its parent university, the hospital/health system, and clinical departments. Funds flow arrangements vary greatly among organizations based on the relationships between these entities, their financial status, levels of extramural research support, and size of endowments and philanthropic activities. We review four general funds flow models: the \"Make Whole\" Model, the \"Pay for Production\" Model, the \"Value-Based\" Model, and the \"Contribution Margin\" Model. We also discuss issues that can affect how these models operate and the reasons they differ depending on organizational structures and financial postures.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"512-518"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-04-08DOI: 10.1055/a-2576-5561
Janine M Moore, Tim D Phillips, Aiesha Ahmed
{"title":"Reimagining Neurological Care: A Value-Based Approach.","authors":"Janine M Moore, Tim D Phillips, Aiesha Ahmed","doi":"10.1055/a-2576-5561","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2576-5561","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Value-based care has been impactful in primary care, but specialty care has not been a large focus area. This manuscript provides neurologists with an overview of value-based payment (VBP) models and offers practical suggestions for engaging in these models using example conditions of migraine and dementia. The article discusses various VBP models, from low-risk pay-for-performance to high-risk shared risk models, and emphasizes the importance of data infrastructure, patient outcomes, quality improvement, and cost reduction for success in value. By adopting a value-based approach, neurologists can improve care for complex neurological conditions, enhance patient satisfaction, and achieve sustainable health care excellence. The conclusions highlight the transformative potential of VBP models in neurology, encouraging neurologists to take small steps toward value-based care to achieve quadruple aim benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"463-469"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1055/a-2595-3461
Joseph S Kass
{"title":"Legal Liability in Neurology: Navigating Malpractice and Regulatory Compliance.","authors":"Joseph S Kass","doi":"10.1055/a-2595-3461","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2595-3461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article provides a comprehensive examination of legal liability in neurology, encompassing both malpractice litigation and compliance with federal regulations. The article highlights how legal accountability hinges on adherence to the standard of care, the adequacy of informed consent, and accurate documentation of decision-making capacity. Special attention is given to legal and ethical challenges in treating vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and cognitively impaired individuals, for whom neurologists must navigate consent, reporting mandates, and surrogate decision-making. The article also explores driving restrictions for individuals with epilepsy or dementia, where state-specific laws and evolving tort doctrines influence physician liability. The assessment of decision-making capacity and testamentary competency is addressed, emphasizing the role of the neurologist in legal proceedings and estate planning. Brain death determination is discussed as a particularly contentious area with significant implications for organ donation and family disputes. On the regulatory side, the article reviews key statutes such as HIPAA, the 21st Century Cures Act, the False Claims Act, and the Stark Law, identifying the implications for privacy, billing practices, and physician referral behavior. Risk management strategies are offered to help neurologists navigate legal uncertainty, strengthen patient relationships, and comply with federal mandates. This article aims to serve as both a practical guide and a legal primer for neurologists practicing in an increasingly litigious and regulated environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"492-502"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144327522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seminars in NeurologyPub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-07DOI: 10.1055/a-2601-9070
Allan D Wu, Benjamin R Kummer
{"title":"Neurologists and Clinical Informatics: Realizing the Potential of Digital Medicine.","authors":"Allan D Wu, Benjamin R Kummer","doi":"10.1055/a-2601-9070","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2601-9070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clinical informatics (CI) is an emerging field within biomedical informatics that sits at the intersection of clinical care, health systems, and health information technology (IT). CI emphasizes how individuals (neurologists, patients, staff) interact with health IT (HIT), with a focus on designing systems that support optimal neurologic care. As neurology becomes more complex-expanding diagnostics, treatments, and subspecialties-there is a growing need for usable, efficient electronic health record systems that enhance, rather than burden, care delivery. This paper reviews roles CI neurologists can play, as translators, architects, advocates, and leaders across clinical, operational, and strategic domains. We highlight examples where CI expertise addresses challenges in neurology, including access to care, documentation burden, burnout, quality improvement, patient engagement, artificial intelligence, research registries, and precision health. With projected workforce shortages in neurology and CI, neurologists with CI expertise will ensure that HIT will effectively support high-quality neurologist-led care.</p>","PeriodicalId":49544,"journal":{"name":"Seminars in Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"434-444"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144037202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}