What you should know:
1. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation filed an amended rule that adopts the 2019 Medicare ASC rates, incorporates the Medicare ASC performance-based quality reporting program and sets payment adjustment factors. Details can be found here.
2. The proposal would also update reimbursement rates for 10 arthroplasty procedures.
3. The Ohio Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers submitted a comment about the rule, saying the reimbursement rate for implants is insufficient and affects arthroplasty utilization in ASCs. It was the only entity to submit a comment.
4. The organization also said “similar surgical settings should be reimbursed in an equitable manner and indicated that Medicare ASC rates have fallen behind inflation increases in other medical sectors,” according to a Common Sense Initiative Office memorandum.
5. The bureau responded to OAASC, saying it considered evaluating costs through alternative methodologies, including invoice reimbursement. It explained the ASC fee schedule is modeled after Medicare and cited methodology changes that benefit participating ASCs. The bureau ultimately made no changes to the draft rule based on OAASC’s comment.
6. A public hearing on the proposed fee schedule changes is scheduled for March 22.
More articles on orthopedics & TJR:
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Alabama orthopedic practice to re-open satellite location: 4 notes
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.