Health Services Research Subcommittee
The Health Services Research Subcommittee aims to evaluate the value of neurologists while using data and addressing two paramount topics: the impact of neurologists on the neurological care of patients (i.e., value of neurologists), and the impact of Medicare on neurologists (i.e., policy evaluation).
Chair: Brian Callaghan, MD, FAAN
Vice Chair: Michelle H. Leppert, MD
Staff Liaison: Ellen Anderson-Benge, Practice Data Analytics Manager
Job description
The Subcommittee conducts health services research through contracts with member institutions, utilizing both existing data access and public data. The Subcommittee addresses research questions that are of interest to the Academy and reports to the Medical Economics and Practice Committee.
Committee responsibilities
- Produce two to three significant research projects each year addressing questions related to AAN strategic objectives or brought to the Subcommittee by other groups at the Academy.
- Share research findings with the Medical Economics and Practice Committee (MEP), as well as the broader neurology community via publication.
Member responsibilities
- Attend one in-person subcommittee meeting each year.
- Participate in virtual meetings 4-5 times per year.
- Lead research projects and provide feedback on other Subcommittee projects.
- Provide expertise, when necessary, for other subcommittees addressing health services research topics (e.g., Coding and Payment Policy Subcommittee).
- Provide feedback on advocacy efforts to the full committee and AAN staff, including the review of and comment on letters to be sent to the American Medical Association, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, etc.
- Copy AAN staff on all subcommittee-related correspondence and vote on Subcommittee matters between meetings.
Selection/appointment
Appointments are made by the AAN president.
Meeting schedule
The subcommittee meets in person one time per year in the summer with additional virtual meetings.
Estimated time commitment
Six hours per month, including meetings and research work between meetings.
Committee composition
The subcommittee includes 11 members. Every member must hold an advanced degree in an area related to health services research (e.g., MBA, MS, MPH, PhD) or be actively conducting research related to health services research.
Recent HSR Publications
- | Published February 9, 2026
- | Published August 6, 2025
- | Published July 21, 2025
- | Published January 8, 2025