CMS ruling: ASCs no longer require radiologists.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer requires ambulatory surgery centers to have a radiologist on their medical staff. CMS removed the Conditions for Coverage provision in a new rule that was released in the pre-published final form titled “Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Regulatory Provisions to Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency and Burden Reduction.”
Bill adding ambulatory surgery to state health plans dies in Oklahoma Senate.
A bill offering Oklahoma state employee’s coverage for surgeries performed at ambulatory surgery centers has died in the state’s Senate Appropriations Committee. The Office of Management and Enterprise noted the bill could be reconsidered with reformed language.
Florida Senate kills bill proposing 72-hour stays at ASCs.
The Florida House supported a bill that would allow state ASCs to keep patients for up to three days after a procedure, but the state Senate killed the bill. The Florida Hospital Association strongly opposed the bill.
Eye Surgery Center of Tulsa physician named Oklahoma State Medical Association president.
Todd A. Brockman, MD, an ophthalmologist of AmSurg-affiliated Eye Surgery Center of Tulsa, has been elected president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
Hospital M&A activity drops in 2013, 1Q 2014.
Merger and acquisition activity in the hospital sector decreased 21.5 percent year-over-year to 84 acquisitions in 2013, according to an Irving Levin Associates Report. Hospital M&A activity dropped 42.9 percent year-over-year to 12 deals in the first quarter of 2014.
AGA Institute names Dr. John Allen president.
The American Gastroenterological Association announced John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF, as its new AGA Institute president. Dr. Allen began his term at the conclusion of Digestive Disease Week.
Advanced Pain Care to support wounded warriors and veterans.
Advanced Pain Care, which includes an outpatient surgery center in Round Rock, Texas, will hold a fundraiser to benefit wounded warriors and veterans. The center will also offer free pain screenings for military servicemen, women and veterans at the end of the month.
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5 Top ASC Documentation Issues Impacting Reimbursement & Their Solutions
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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.