Here are seven things for ambulatory surgery center industry leaders to know for Dec. 29, 2014.
Highmark drops restrictions on CRC screening drugs
Medicare often set trends for commercial payers, and Highmark will opt for Medicare's stance and lift restrictions on colorectal cancer screening drugs. Previously, Highmark planned to restrict payment for propofol administration during colorectal cancer screening to high-risk patients.
Washington Health System opens Tristate Surgery Center
Washington (Pa.) Health System opened a new outpatient facility in South Strabane Township, Pa. Physicians practicing at the new center belong to Keystone Pain Consultants and Southwest Gastroenterology.
17 colonoscopy coding updates to know for 2015
The three GI sister societies released a report on 2015 coding updates for gastroenterologists to know. The updates include a new definition that designates a colonoscopy as the examination of the entire colon. For screening or diagnostic colonoscopy, use 45378 with modifier 53 if unable to advance past the cecum or small intestine anastomosis. For therapeutic colonoscopy, use appropriate code with modifier 52 if 53 if unable to advance past the cecum or small intestine anastomosis.
Drew Memorial Hospital plans $14.3M surgery center
Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello, Ark., is discussing the possibility of a surgery center project. The project's architect initially presented a proposal that would cost $23 million, but the project has been revised.
Express Scripts to cover AbbVie's new Hepatitis C treatment but not Gilead's Sovaldi
Express Scripts has opposed the price of Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi treatment — $84,000 — since it was approved. The pharmacy benefits manager said that it was unaffordable.
CMS: 87% percent of ICD-10 test claims accepted
CMS announced the results from the ICD-10 testing week the week of Nov. 17. The agency reported an initial acceptance rate of 76 percent, which improved to 87 percent by Friday of the testing week.
Dr. Kevin Daneshgar performs La Peer Surgery Center's first laparoscopic hysterectomy
La Peer Health Systems, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based outpatient surgery center, recently hosted its first laparoscopic hysterectomy. Kevin Daneshgar, MD, who performed the procedure, is part of the surgery center's Surgical Gynecology Center of Excellence.
More articles on ASCs:
Take 'on-time' starts beyond the policy — 5 tips to actually start on time every time
Making GI dollars stretch further than ever: Insight into financial & operational efficiency
16 ASCs with pediatrics programs