Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center leaders to know for April 21, 2015.
U.S. healthcare costs to soar to $3.2 trillion this year
The national spend on healthcare in the United States is projected to reach $3.2 trillion in 2015. At $3.2 trillion, healthcare costs in the United States are at $10,000 per person.
SGR repeal passes
The U.S. Senate has passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (HR 2), which effectively repeals the sustainable growth rate formula. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
St. Cloud ASC first in Minnesota to perform Navio's robotic partial knee surgery
Eric Green, MD, of St. Cloud (Minn.) Surgical Center performed the first CT-free robotics-assisted partial knee replacement in the state by a surgical center using Blue Belt Technologies' Navio Surgical System.
Health system standoff: Kaleida Health ASC project approved after revote
Despite Catholic Health's objections, a revote has resulted in the approval of Kaleida Health's Orchard Park, N.Y., surgery center project. Both health systems are based in Buffalo, N.Y.
CMS: Guidance on colonoscopy anesthesia modifier
CMS has expanded the range of service to which the PT modifier refers to include lower GI/endoscopy anesthesia CPT code 00810. Effective at the start of this year, CPT code 00810 used with screening colonoscopy services G0105 or G0121 will result in coinsurance and deductible being waived for anesthesia service when modifier 33 issued. If a screening colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic colonoscopy, providers should submit anesthesia code 00810 with the PT modifier. In this case, only the patient's deductible will be waived, according to the report.
Surgical Care Affiliates appoints Tom De Weerdt CFO
Mr. De Weerdt will assume his new position on May 19. He comes to SCA from Mead Johnson Nutrition, a $4 billion revenue publicly traded pediatric nutrition company where he was corporate controller.
North Carolina Hospital Association argues against CON elimination legislation
Senator Tom Apodaca (R-48) has introduced legislation that would eliminate North Carolina's certificate of need program. The North Carolina Hospital Association, led by chief lobbyist Cody Hand, is staunchly opposed to the legislation.
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