Proposed revisions to the CfC, coupled with a rule adopted last year, would require surgery centers in most circumstances to inform patients of their patient rights at least one day prior to surgery.
The three groups submitting comments on the proposed rule — American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society — said in the letter that such a requirement “will unnecessarily diminish access of patients to same day services at ASCs with no corresponding patient health and safety benefit.”
The groups are hoping CMS will reject this mandate or substantially broaden the rule so patients can elect to receive care on the same day they are informed of the need for surgery. The groups point to hospital requirements for informing patients of their rights prior to care; in hospitals, the notice of patient’s rights may be provided “in advance of furnishing or discontinuing care whenever possible.”
The groups offer a third recommendation in which patients could have the option to sign a waiver to receive surgery on the same day if the patient is faced with financial hardship or significant inconvenience.
View the letter to CMS about ASC Conditions for Coverage.
