MedPAC has proposed that ambulatory surgery centers receive a 0.5 percent payment rate increase in 2014, according to an ASCA report.
During the commission's discussions, four commissioners proposed a zero update for ASCs. They also recommended that surgery centers be directed to report cost data. The commission also recommended a 1.0 percent increase in payment rates for hospitals in 2014, noting that certain factors indicate a maturity of the ASC industry and a slowing in the growth of ASCs.
MedPAC will vote on the proposals in January.
"We are disappointed by MedPAC's recommendations," said ASCA CEO Bill Prentice, "but we are encouraged that the MedPAC staff appears to be beginning to recognize the implications of the large disparity in Medicare’s ASC and HOPD payment rates."
During the commission's discussions, four commissioners proposed a zero update for ASCs. They also recommended that surgery centers be directed to report cost data. The commission also recommended a 1.0 percent increase in payment rates for hospitals in 2014, noting that certain factors indicate a maturity of the ASC industry and a slowing in the growth of ASCs.
MedPAC will vote on the proposals in January.
"We are disappointed by MedPAC's recommendations," said ASCA CEO Bill Prentice, "but we are encouraged that the MedPAC staff appears to be beginning to recognize the implications of the large disparity in Medicare’s ASC and HOPD payment rates."