CMS’ EHR program generally does not affect surgery centers, except in one policy. In order to quality as a “meaningful user” of EHRs and receive incentive payments and avoid penalties, physicians must use “certified” EHRs that meet CMS standards in at least 50 percent of patient encounters. Many ASCs — because they lack the same incentive/subsidy program as hospitals — do not have certified ASCs.
This means that physicians bringing cases to ASCs would be penalized for practicing in the ASC setting. Rep. Black’s legislation would create a three-year exception window for those encounters in ASCs, and also re-establish the batching system used by surgery centers to report to CMS.
Learn more about ASCA.
