5 numbers on HOPD vs. ASC costs

The reimbursement disparity between hospital outpatient departments and ASCs is frustrating leaders as costs soar. 

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Our costs are increasing, especially salaries and benefits, which need to be competitive with HOPDs and hospitals, yet reimbursements still sit at 50% of the HOPD rates,” Andrew Weiss, administrator of Vorhees, N.J.-based Summit Surgical Center, told Becker’s

Here are five numbers on the cost difference between ASCs vs. HOPDs:

1. Medical procedures can cost as much as 58% more at HOPDs when compared to a physician office or ASC, according to an analysis by Blue Health Intelligence, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s data analytics company.

2. Colonoscopy screenings cost 32% more in a hospital than in an ASC, according to the same analysis. 

3. Diagnostic colonoscopies cost 58% more and cataract surgery costs 56% more.

4. More than 80% of HOPD cardiovascular procedures could be allowed in ASCs from Medicare’s covered procedure list inclusion, according to a report from Cardiovascular Business

5. The average cost of a knee arthroscopy with cartilage removal at an ASC is $3,412, compared to $5,226 at an HOPD, according to data from Sidecar Health’s care price calculator. 

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