The increase is based on the 1.4 percent projected rate of inflation and a 0.8 percentage point decrease for productivity adjustment required by the Affordable Care Act. The proposed rule factored in a 2.2 percent inflation rate minus a 0.9 percentage point productivity adjustment.
Hospital outpatient departments will receive a 1.8 percent increase.
Ambulatory Surgery Center Association CEO Bill Prentice said his organization is “extremely disappointed that CMS continues to undervalue ASC reimbursements” by using inappropriate system to factor payment rates.
“Using different update factors for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments widens the gap between [hospital outpatient department] payments and ASC payments, further incentivizes a disturbing trend of conversions of ASCs to HOPDs and increases costs to the Medicare program, its beneficiaries and taxpayers who support the program,” Mr. Prentice said.
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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.