For years, payment updates to ASCs have been based on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Customers, instead of on the hospital market basket like payment updates to HOPDs. In March 2010, members of the House of Representatives wrote to CMS urging the agency to use the hospital market basket to decide payment updates for ASCs, claiming that the CPI-U is an inaccurate mechanism for updating payments.
Mr. Hayek commented on the decision, saying, “We urge CMS to adopt the hospital market basket as the ASC inflation index. Aligning the indexes across ASCs and HOPDs would provide a positive update for ASC payments consistent with [recommendations] and ensure that ASCs have the resources needed to implement new technology, enhanced reporting systems and the ability to continue providing high quality, patient-centered care.”
In a 2009 interview with Becker’s ASC Review, Mr. Hayek said it is essential for ASCs to be vocal and active in government in the coming years. “The stakes have never been higher for our industry to speak with one voice, and not just because of health reform,” he said. “Providers face increasing rate pressures in the coming years and we need to address questions on the impact of physician ownership. We need to vigorously educate policymakers on how physician-owned ASCs can improve quality and lower costs.”
Before joining Surgical Care Affiliates, Mr. Hayek served as president of VillageHealth, an insurance and care management company owned by DaVita, one of the nation’s leading independent providers of kidney dialysis services.
He previously served as president and COO of Alliance Imaging, a $450 million-revenue diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology business, operating in 43 states. He also worked for operations consulting firm Capstone Consulting, merchant banking firm The Pritzker Organization and the Boston Consulting Group.
Read more coverage on notably surgery center leaders:
–ASC Industry Leader to Know: Buddy Bacon of Meridian Surgical Partners
–ASC Industry Leader to Know: Christian Ellison of Health Inventures
