The ASC Quality & Access Act is a major piece of legislation backed by ASCA and other ASC industry advocates. The Act was introduced to Congress in June 2013 and “amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require alignment of updates for ambulatory surgical center (ASC) services under a revised prospective payment system (PPS) with updates for hospital outpatient department services,” according to the ASCA website.
After the Capitol Fly-In event, nine new cosponsors were added to the legislation. If passed, the bill would also establish a value-based purchasing program saving Medicare money — Medicare currently saves around $2.6 billion per year when procedures are done in the ASC instead of HOPD — and create a bonus pool for ASCs that meet quality standards. The ASC community would also have an appointee on the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment, according to ASCA.
The next Capitol Fly-In Program will be Sept. 9 to 10, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about issues impacting ASCs, the legislative process and advocacy for the industry. Last year, more than 130 ASC industry advocates participated in the Capitol Fly-In events and their efforts accounted for 90 percent of the ASC Quality & Access Act’s cosponsors so far.
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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.