Here are seven things for ASC leaders to know this Monday, Nov. 7, 2016.
CMS final rule increases ASC pay 1.9% in 2017
CMS released the final 2017 ASC payment rule with plans to increase payment rates next year. Payments to ASCs will increase 1.9 percent in 2017. The percentage increase is based on the 2.2 percent projected rate of inflation with 0.3 percentage point productivity adjustment which the ACA requires. The increase is larger than the proposed 1.2 percent increase released earlier this year.
Physicians Realty Trust acquires Northwest Michigan Surgery Center
Physicians Realty Trust acquired a new building in late October, purchasing Northwest Michigan Surgery Center in Traverse City. The company issued $19.3 million in shares to the building owners instead of cash. Physicians Realty Trust issued 46 people shares to purchase Northwest Michigan Surgery Center for $29.4 million.
West Wilshire Medical Surgical Center receives award from California Ambulatory Surgery Association
The California Ambulatory Surgery Association awarded one of its first Annual Excellence Awards to the Los Angeles-based West Wilshire Medical Surgical Center. The awards recognize ASCs in California that are "drivers of excellent healthcare, providing opportunities and solutions for healthcare reform."
Minnesota first-day exchange sales slowed by telephone attack
Minnesotans looking to enroll into MNsure, their state's health insurance exchange, couldn't as a telephone attack took the exchange offline for several hours during the first day of enrollment. The health system was "jammed" with automated calls that made it inaccessible to several people looking to enroll. County sites and MNsure were also down but the reason why was unspecified.
Anthem misses Q3 earning projections
Indianapolis-based Anthem failed to meet its third quarter earnings projections. Anthem posted $2.45 quarterly earnings. Projections pegged it for a $2.49.
Truckee Surgery Center Administrator Kate Cooper honored as 'best boss'
The Third Annual Best Boss contest named Kate Cooper, director of Truckee (Calif.) Surgery Center, the "best boss." The contest receives nominations for bosses who inspire, motivate and make a positive impact in their employees' lives. Marilyn Willis, RN, nominated Ms. Cooper, noting she "stands tall and relays our issues to the owners and surgeon. Kate has no ego."
If performance doesn't improve in 2018, Anthem wants out of ACA exchanges
Anthem said it may pull back from the exchanges in 2018 if results don't improve. CEO Joseph Swedish said to Bloomberg, "If we do not see clear evidence of an improving environment and a path towards sustainability in the marketplace, we will likely modify our strategy in 2018. Clearly, 2017 is a critical year as we continue to assess the long-term viability of our exchange footprint."