© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

The 3 Ps: Professionals, Patients and Politicians

Eric Hauth, Sr. Manager

State Government & Public Affairs

American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

A word or two about the U.S. election…

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

1. I’m technically Irish.

2. I voted for the other guy.

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

What is neurology advocacy?

What is the AAN is doing?

Why is it important?

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Some context

• 134 million Americans with a chronic condition by 2034

• 15-50 million have a neurological condition

• 1% of patients = 30% of healthcare costs

• Bottom 50% account for just 3%

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

AAN’s Approach to Advocacy

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

1. Build effective grassroots training and support for neurologists

2. Establish long-term partnerships with consumer/patient advocacy organizations

3. Empower neurologists to get involved

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Training and Support for Professionals

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

The Donald M. PalatucciAdvocacy Leadership Forum

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Partnerships with Patient Advocates

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Empowering neurologists

to get involved

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Making a Difference

Measuring our Success

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

• Outpatient injectible MS drug benefit – 2003 Medicare Modernization Act

• Doubling of NIH/NINDS funding (98-03)

• Introduction of stroke systems legislation

• Restoration of caregivers support funds (CA)

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

The Next Stages of

Neurology Advocacy Development

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Public Awareness Campaign (The AAN Foundation)

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Key Messages

• >600 neurological conditions

• As many as 50 million Americans affected

• Lack of understanding by the public

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Key Messages (cont’d)

• Neurology (and neurologists) a common thread

• At the forefront of clinical and scientific breakthroughs

• Timely access is essential to optimize care, treatment and quality of life

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

• Strategic use of neurology advocates

• Data-driven advocacy (ABC Coalition)

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

• Neurology advocacy puts the patient at the center

• Partnerships are not only effective, they are essential

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter

(ABIM, ACP-ASIM and European Federation of Internal Medicine)

(Endorsed by the AAN)

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

“Within each system, the physician should work to eliminate barriers to access

based on education, laws, geography and social discrimination…a

commitment to equity entails the promotion of public health and

preventive medicine, as well as public advocacy on the part of each

physician…”

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

As a professional society, it is our obligation to make that task as easy as possible.

© 2004 American Academy of Neurology

Questions?

My contact information:

ehauth@aan.com

(011) 651.695.2746