The mandated cuts are the result of a law enacted last year to increase the amount the federal government can borrow. As it currently stands, Medicare payments to providers and ASCs will face a 2 percent reduction in 2013 and beyond. Since surgery centers are already scheduled to receive a 0.6 percent uptick in 2013, under the recently finalized CMS payment rule, the tax cuts would alter that to a 1.4 percent reduction.
The cuts could be avoided if an agreement is reached by Dec. 31 to forestall sequestration. If an agreement is not reached, the patch currently set to “fix” the SGR issue is scheduled to expire, triggering a 27 percent cut in physician payments that has been postponed for years. The scheduled reduction could be postponed, and will otehrwise affect the 2013 ASC facility payment rate for procedures paid at the physician office payment rate.
Learn more about ASCA.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.