News & Analysis
10 Most-Read Articles on Becker's ASC Review in August 2010
Here are the 10 most-read articles in Becker's ASC Review in August.
Read more...Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty Rejects All Funds From Reform Bill
Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota's Republican governor, has issued an executive order rejecting all funds from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the healthcare reform law, according to a report by Minnesota Public Radio. Read more...Appeals Court Rules Health Plan Administrator Abused Discretion in Determining Discounted Rate was "Unreasonable," Case May Have Implications for OON Providers
The United States Fifth Court of Appeals has upheld a district court ruling that a health plan violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act by refusing payment to a hospital for health services it felt were not "reasonable and customary," according to court documents. Further, the court upheld a ruling that the plan administrator abused discretion in denying the claim. Read more...10 Challenges Facing Community Hospitals
The nation's community hospitals, long a backbone for healthcare provision in this country, face increasing challenges as reimbursements fall, regulations become more complicated and payors demand closer collaboration with physicians and other outpatient providers. These hospitals continue to join larger organizations. Of the 5,010 community hospitals in the nation, the AHA reports 2,868 are now part of healthcare systems. Here we ask five experts to comment on specific challenges faced by this sector.Read more...
New Poll Shows Support Slipping Again For Healthcare Reform Law
After bumping up in a July poll, public support for the healthcare reform law in a new poll is back to its May levels, according to a report by Kaiser Health News. Read more...ASC Association Gives Farewell Tribute to President Kathy Bryant
ASC Association and Ambulatory Surgery Foundation have assembled a final tribute to President Kathy Bryant, who is set to depart both organizations Aug. 31.
Read more...ASCAC Delivers Comments to CMS on Proposed ASC Payment System Changes
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee has sent a letter to Donald Berwick, MD, administrator of CMS, with the Committee's comments on the proposed 2011 rule for ASC payments.
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