A step forward for ASCs on Capitol Hill? 5 things to know on proposed legislation

The U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means revealed a draft of the Hospitals Improvements for Payment Act of 2014, which would allow an ambulatory surgery center voice on the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment, according to an Ambulatory Surgery Center Association report.

Here are five things to know about the legislation:

1. The panel advises the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment Classification groups and their relative payment weights.

2. The legislation likely won't become law at this time, according to the ASCA report, but "the inclusion of the ASC provision in the HIP highlights how increased support on our legislation can lead to being included in larger legislative packages."

3. The panel seats up to 19 people and ASCA representatives have been advocating for an ASC seat at the table. There were 88 supporters in the House and Senate, tapped through direct lobbying efforts among members of Congress.

4. The Hospital Outpatient Panel provision is a component of the ASC Quality and Access Act of 2013 (H.R. 2500/S 1137).

5. The consideration in this legislation also shows that key committees are beginning to recognize the value of ASCs for Medicare and Medicare beneficiaries.

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