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North Carolina price transparency bill officially signed into law.
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has signed House Bill 834 into law. The legislation requires ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals to post the prices of their 140 most commonly performed procedures. The procedures will include the 100 most common inpatient diagnosis-related groups, 20 most common surgical procedures and 20 most common imaging procedures. The law will go into effect next year.
ASC that missed quality reporting deadline now face penalties.
Any ambulatory surgery centers treating Medicare beneficiaries that did not report 2012 volume data and verified use of safe surgery checklists on QualityNet by Aug. 23 will face payment reductions from Medicare in 2015. Prior to the deadline, an estimated 2,800 centers had already completed the process, according to CMS.
Florida Congressman surgery center visit prompts decision to address reimbursement issue.
United State Representative Gus M. Bilirakis visited Florida Medical Clinic’s Zephyrhills surgery center after receiving a letter from Sandra Harris, the clinic’s director of special procedures, expressing concern over the disparity in Medicare reimbursement. After touring the facility, Rep. Bilirakis announced that he would work to address the gap between hospital and surgery center Medicare reimbursement.
New legislation may change physician license verification in Illinois.
Recently introduced legislation in Illinois would require physicians to verify their academic, employment and disciplinary records through an independent service before being granted a state license. Currently, Illinois state officials use the Federal State Medical Boards and National Practitioner Data Bank to verify this information. There are about 12 states that require physicians to verify information through a Federation Credentials Verification Service.
Millions of Americans to upgrade existing insurance policies under PPACA.
Millions of Americans currently have health insurance plans that offer minimal coverage. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, they will have to purchase more comprehensive coverage to meet PPACA requirements. Individual policies must cover 10 benefits, require insurers to cover at least 60 percent of medical costs and cap annual out-of-pocket costs at $6,400.
Skyline Surgery Center treats 1,000th patient.
Skyline Surgery Center in Pocatello, Idaho, recently celebrated treating its 1,000th patient. The surgery center has been open for five months.
Florida Senator tours Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio recently toured Monterey (Calif.) Peninsula Surgery Centers as a part of a fundraising activities day.
More Articles on ASC Issues:
7 Steps to Plan for Sustainable, Long-Term ASC Success
What to Expect When Selling Your Ambulatory Surgery Center
Developing a Positive Community Presence for Surgery Centers: Q&A With Administrator Melissa Dansby
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
