Oregon ASCs make $611.6M impact on the state’s economy.
The Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association has reported that the 85 ASCs in the state employ 1,760 workers and have made an impact of nearly $611.6 million on the state’s economy. ASCs in Oregon also have a 93 percent patient satisfaction rate.
ICD-10 to potentially lower healthcare reimbursements.
ICD-10 implementation is growing nearer and providers that are not prepared may see their bottoms line suffer. ASC administrators should analyze how ICD-10 will affect their centers and where there is a risk for complication within the revenue cycle.
New CPT code assigned to minimally invasive SI joint spine surgery.
The American Medical Association has implemented a new Category III CPT code which specifically applies to sacroiliac joint arthrodesis performed with minimally invasive or percutaneous approaches. The new Code 0334T went into effect July 1.
LifeCenter Sacramento opens surgery center.
On Saturday, LifeCenter Sacramento opened its Surgical Center in conjunction with the LifeCenter Birthing Center. The surgery center is AAAHC accredited and has two surgical suites.
New York Department of Health decision delays Lockport surgery center plans.
An ASC proposed by three surgeons affiliated with Great Lakes Surgical Associates has been delayed by the New York State Department of Health. The department of health attributed its recommendation of disapproval for the project due to the surgeons’ lack of a financial plan and doubt that the surgery center would meet the public’s needs.
CMS proposes permanent reimbursement for late state macular degeneration treatment.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have proposed to offer permanent reimbursement for VisionCare’s implantable miniature telescope, the first FDA approved device designed to improve vision for late stage age-related macular degeneration patients. CMS plans to assign the device to the new Ambulatory Payment Classification 0351, Level VII Anterior Segment Eye Procedures.
FDA does not require IND for fecal microbiota transplant.
The FDA has announced that it will not require an investigational new drug application for fecal microbiota transplant as a treatment for C. difficile infections that are unresponsive to standard treatment. There are no penalties for not acquiring an IND, but the FDA urges physicians to submit an IND before using FMT.
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