ABNS NEURO-LOG database system

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The NEURO-LOG Database System is an internet-based data collection tool developed by the ABNS to facilitate gathering of information necessary for ABNS primary certification, maintenance of certification, and for resident case log accumulation. NEURO-LOG as also been adapted for use by Program Directors to accumulate the data required for RRC credentialing. At each stage of neurosurgical training, certification, and practice, NEURO-LOG tracks the necessary data elements to meet current documentation standards. The cataloging of operative data is streamlined and is driven by a hierarchical “drill down” paradigm that yields both CPT codes and appropriate ABNS/RRC procedural categories. As an added advantage, users can learn the CPT code structure. The system is highly secure and HIPPA compliant.

Residents in Neurosurgical Training: The ABNS NEURO-LOG database system was designed to meet the needs of both neurosurgical training programs and residents in training. While the ABNS establishes the criteria for neurosurgical training, the RRC for neurosurgery is responsible for credentialing training programs. The credentialing process requires extensive documentation of procedural data. This data is then compared to national benchmarks established by the RRC. Neurosurgical residents in training are required to maintain an accurate log of procedures in which they were involved. NEURO-LOG provides the necessary tools to collect data each clinical year as required by the ABNS and RRC.

Program Directors: Neurosurgical residency program directors are responsible for documenting procedural data for the RRC credentialing of their training program. NEURO-LOG can generate global reports for procedures done within the entire residency program, and at each affiliated institution. Data inputted into NEURO-LOG can be used to produce hardcopy PIF forms acceptable to the RRC for Neurosurgery and the ACGME. The program only provides the necessary mechanisms to generate these reports, but also provides program directors the ability to analyze individual residents, attendings, or institutions.

Applicants for Board Certification: Once an individual completes neurosurgical training and enters neurosurgical practice, they can apply for certification by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. As a component of this process, candidates are required to submit a 12-month summary report of all surgically-treated patients, followed out for at least 3 months thereafter. NEURO-LOG provides all the necessary data fields to complete the ABNS Practice Data documentation requirements, and also provides online mechanisms for review by the ABNS Practice Data Committee. Candidates interact electronically with the Review Committee to address any specific concerns. This completely electronic methodology streamlines the review process and eliminates variations and time delays.

Maintenance of Certification: Since 1999, all diplomats of the American Board of Neurological Surgery have been awarded time-limited certificates. Neurosurgeons are now required to maintain active certification renewed every 10 years via a comprehensive educational curriculum. A component of the maintenance of certification (MOC) process will involve review of practice data. While the exact criteria for the Practice Data documentation have yet to be defined by the ABNS, NEURO-LOG will be amended to meet those standards once clarified. Candidates who utilize NEURO-LOG for completing the Practice Data component for initial certification will already have the necessary experience to use it for MOC. Diplomat of the ABNS may choose to use NEURO-LOG on an ongoing basis for routine practice assessment.

Other Practitioners: Those neurological surgeons certified by the ABNS prior to 1999 are not required to undergo the MOC process, but would be free to use NEURO-LOG for their own purposes, including practice assessment. The system gathers rudimentary demographics as well as diagnostic, procedural, and simplified outcome information.

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