Medicare’s process for adding procedures to the ASC setting can be slow and erratic, Mr. Prentice said in the April meeting. CMS’ removal of previously approved procedures, for example, has slowed the migration of cases to the ASC setting.
Mr. Prentice added that instead of CMS having different procedure designations for hospital outpatient departments and ASCs, it should identify whether procedures are appropriate for inpatient or outpatient. The provider, Mr. Prentice said, should then decide the site of service.
“The surgeon is the one who is best positioned to safely decide the setting that makes the most sense for that patient,” he said in an email sent to Becker’s.
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.
