In 2011, the ISASS Coding and Reimbursement Task Force was formed to direct society advocacy efforts towards commercial payers and technology assessment forums, many of which inform coverage determinations and access to medically necessary spinal surgeries. The Task Force’s mission is to:
- identify spinal surgery-related coding and reimbursement issues that may adversely impact patient access to medically indicated spine surgeries;
- develop for the Board’s approval advocacy action plans on the society’s behalf to address those issues; and
- assist in the execution of those advocacy actions plans as appropriate and necessary.

Morgan P. Lorio, MD, FACS, Chair
In addition to our ISASS members, the Task Force has created an advisory body of coding & reimbursement experts to help inform its priorities and activities. Thank you to the members of the Task Force and members of the Advisory Body for your tireless work:
Task Force Members
- Morgan Lorio, MD, FACS, Chair
- Ali Araghi, DO
- Doug Beard, MD
- Terrance Julien, MD
- Richard Kube, MD
- Isador Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC
- Paul Park, MD
- Tony Schnuerer, PA
- Paul Schwaegler, MD
- Kern Singh, MD
- James Yue, MD
Advisory Body Members:
- Barbara Cataletto, MBA
- Jolayne Devers, MBA, CPC
- Kelli Hallas
- Tim Hunter, MPA
- Shan McDaniel, CPC, CPMA
- Jen Varela, CPC
- Cindy Vandenbosch
The Task Force welcomes ideas and input for its agenda and activities. If there is a coding or reimbursement issue that you wish to bring to the Task Force’s attention, or if you are interested in taking a active role in serving the ISASS membership by joining the Task Force, please contact Liz Vogt, ISASS Director of Health Policy & Advocacy, at liz@isass.org.
See Also: ISASS Committees →