In a comment letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the committee said the phase-in should start with developing a reliable, voluntary reporting infrastructure specific to ASCs. If this program is successful, CMS should then expand it to allow quality and cost comparisons across outpatient settings, including ASCs and HOPDs, the letter states.
Data already show ASCs achieve excellent outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction, the committee reported. The program will “help to demonstrate the quality and value of ASC services and encourage the continued, appropriate migration of services to the lower-priced setting,” said Andrew Hayek, chairman of the advocacy committee and president & CEO of Surgical Care Affiliates.
Mr. Hayek said ASCs support a value-based purchasing program recognizing high-quality and efficient facilities, encouraging improvements in care and enhancing transparency. “As an industry, ASCs are committed to providing the highest quality care in the safest and most cost-effective setting possible,” he said.
The ASCAC includes the national and state ASC associations as well as representatives of all types of ASC operators and physicians.
Read the full comment letter to Secretary Sebelius.
Learn about the ASC Advocacy Committee.
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