In a recent press release, HSTpathways addressed the impact of MACRA final rule on ambulatory surgery centers.
With the recent release of the Final Rule for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), a new era of value-based payment models has arrived. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) receive only a few direct mentions in the Final Rule and associated comments. However, ASCs, like all healthcare providers, need to prepare for this new era in payment models by focusing on positive patient outcomes within the context of highly efficient operations.
"MACRA reflects larger trends in the healthcare industry," said Tom Hui, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of HSTpathways. "More patients need healthcare services, but resources are limited. This is driving trends to contain costs and limit reimbursement. These trends will increase the pressures on ambulatory surgery centers. ASCs will have to respond by adopting technologies that will help them optimize operational efficiencies while improving patient outcomes."
The Final Rule for MACRA, which is also known as the Quality Payment Program (QPP), was published on Oct. 14. However, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which published the rule, concedes that implementation will be an evolving process. The Final Rule was published with a 60-day comment period. This means that stakeholders may continue to provide input on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) e-Rulemaking website through Dec. 13. Nevertheless, MACRA goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
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