ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

ASCs have long struggled to secure reimbursements — with CMS' proposal to remove 258 procedures from the ASC payable list, leaders are concerned that securing payment could become even more challenging. 

Mark Reinford predicts consolidation amongst big payers and consolidation in fee schedules in the payer market in the next five years. 

ASCs often can struggle to leverage payer contracts in comparison to larger hospitals and health systems. 

ASCs can often offer higher-quality care at lower rates, making it a prime location for direct contracting. 

The proposed 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and ASC Payment System would remove 258 procedures from the ASC payable list if finalized later this year.

CMS issued the 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and ASC Payment System proposed rule July 19, which includes some big updates for ASCs.

CMS proposed reversing some of the policy changes ASC executives celebrated last year.

As higher-acuity procedures move outpatient, independent ASCs could have difficulty securing reimbursements. 

For Andrew Lovewell, the success of the ASC industry hinges on presurgery patient optimization and knowing which cases to take on. 

CMS issued the 2022 Physician Fee Schedule proposal July 13, which will lower physician pay next year if it goes into effect without changes.