Here are five points:
1. Under the first provision, Section 4012, HHS will create a website allowing Medicare beneficiaries to compare their out-of-pocket costs and expenses for different procedures in ASCs and hospital outpatient departments.
2. Section 16003, the second provision, provides protection for those physicians practicing in ASCs from possible penalties linked to the Medicare meaningful use program.
3. Under current law, Medicare providers are mandated to adopt and use certified EHR technology for a fixed percentage of their patients, although there are not currently CEHRT in the ASC setting.
4. Without the protection in place, physicians could experience cuts in their professional fees, despite it being not feasible to meet such requirements in the ASC setting. Thus, Section 16003 protects these physicians and authorizes HHS to approve CEHRT for the ASC setting.
5. In a press release on ASCA’s website, the association said the aforementioned provisions were made possible due to the efforts of Congress members who support ASCs as well as ASCA members who “participate in fly-ins and grassroots efforts to educate their elected officials.”
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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.