ASCs expected to save Medicare $57.6B over next 10 years.
Researchers from the University of California-Berkley have found that ambulatory surgery centers were responsible for saving Medicare $7.5 billion from 2008 to 2011. The researchers predict that ASCs will save Medicare $57.6 billion over the next decade, with the potential to generate savings exceeding this number.
SurgCenter Development to acquire 38% stake in Southern Sports Surgery Center.
Two physician owners of Southern Sports Surgery Center in Hendersonville, Tenn., have filed a certificate of need application for the sale of 38 percent ownership to SurgCenter Development. The physicians currently own a 50 percent ownership stake each.
AMA launches new campaign in light of possible SGR repeal.
The American Medical Association has launched a campaign encouraging physicians to voice their opinions as Congress moves forward with SGR reform. The campaign includes the interactive website FixMedicareNow.org, which offers physicians and patients a forum to request the elimination of the sustainable growth rate.
GIQuIC adds upper endoscopy quality measures.
The benchmarking registry GI Quality Improvement Consortium, sponsored by the American College of Gastroenterology and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, has added upper GI-endoscopy-related quality measures to its endoscopic quality registry. The addition was made due to requests from endoscopists.
States remain unprepared for launch of PPACA exchanges.
W. Brett Graham of the consulting firm Leavitt Partners has shared with a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee that most, if not all, of states are experiencing technology challenges that will result in an unsteady start to the state health insurance exchanges mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Both California and Oregon have reported issues that will potentially affect the Oct. 1 date for open enrollment.
38% of physicians feel prepared for ICD-10 transition.
ICD-10 implementation is growing closer and 38 percent of physicians feel confident that their practices will be able to handle the switch smoothly, according to the 2013 Physician Sentiment Index. Of the responding physicians, only 9 percent are not at all confident that the switch will go well.
CMS issues memo on guidelines for Medicare certification after facility ownership change.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have issued guidelines Medicare certification for facilities that change ownership. Any owner of a facility participating in Medicare considering facility sale must inform CMS. After the sale, the CMS survey must be unannounced.
More Articles on ASC Issues:
Bundled Payments & Cost Efficiency in Surgery Centers: Q&A With Gabrielle White of Hoag Orthopedic Institute
6 Golden Rules of Surgery Center Staff Engagement From Administrator Lori Martin
7 Ways for Surgery Center Leaders to Become Industry Advocates
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.
