Restrictions on Medicaid reimbursement and the ongoing anesthesiologist shortage have been among the most pressing issues facing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the U.S. in 2024. Representatives from several state ASC associations discussed those and other topics during a recent virtual panel discussion. “By joining together and just always viewing ourselves as community, I think we really do have to take that on ourselves, especially as the leaders of these organizations, to … [Read more...]
Amid Mounting Compliance Risks, ASCs and Other Health Care Organizations Are Forced To Do More with Less
As cyberattacks become more frequent and the pace of regulatory change accelerates, investing in strong compliance programs is critical for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). But that’s easier said than done. ASCs are often forced to do more with less, as reimbursement cuts, wage increases, inflation and other financial pressures strain surgery centers’ bottom lines. This dilemma – investing in compliance when financial resources are scarce – is a commonality that many health care … [Read more...]
New Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Stabilize Physician Medicare Rates, Gains ASCA Backing
Federal legislation that seeks to protect the financial viability of physician practices by addressing long-standing Medicare reimbursement challenges has been introduced, and has the backing of ambulatory surgery center advocates. The proposed legislation comes as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2.93% cut in physician Medicare reimbursement rates is set to take effect in January 2025. “This amounts to a finalized CY 2025 PFS conversion factor of $32.35, a … [Read more...]
As ASCs Grapple with Anesthesiologist Shortage, Regulators Target CRNA Scope of Practice
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a letter in September clarifying the role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the state’s health care system. The letter came following surveys conducted at Stanislaus Surgical Hospital and Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, California, where CRNAs were found practicing independently without appropriate physician supervision. These surveys, conducted by state and federal surveyors, led to “Immediate Jeopardy” … [Read more...]
The FTC Wants to Take a Closer Look at Blockbuster Transactions: What ASC Stakeholders Should Know
Blockbuster transactions in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry and health care sector could see more scrutiny moving forward. On Oct. 10, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted unanimously to issue new final rules that effectively make the pre-deal notification and regulatory review process more comprehensive. “The final rule implements changes that will improve the ability of the FTC and Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to detect illegal mergers and … [Read more...]
ASC Leader Joins White House Meeting on Patient Safety, Workforce Wellness
Last month, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) President Mark Wainner was invited to the White House to participate in a summit focused on improving patient and workforce safety across the U.S. health care system. The event included senior health care officials, leaders of 22 national health care organizations, including ASCA, and representatives from 16 major hospital systems. It marked a first-of-its-kind meeting at the White House, providing ASCA the opportunity to engage … [Read more...]
Study: CON Laws Stifle ASC Growth, Raise Health Care Costs and Limit Access
Certificate of need (CON) laws significantly limit the growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), increasing health care costs and reducing access to care. That’s according to a recently published study commissioned by conservative think tank The Cato Institute. The research found that repealing ASC-specific CON laws led to a 44% to 47% statewide increase in the number of ASCs per capita. Rural communities saw even more dramatic growth, with ASCs increasing by 92% to 112% per capita, … [Read more...]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Legislation Targeting Private Equity in Health Care: What ASCs Should Know
A California law requiring private equity firms and hedge funds to get approval from the attorney general's office when buying health care assets appears to be dead in the water. The legislation is Assembly Bill 3129, sponsored by California Representative Jim Wood. Up until now, the bill has had plenty of momentum, making it out of the California State Assembly and succeeding in two committee votes in the California Senate. If finalized, AB 3129 would have forced PE-type buyers to disclose … [Read more...]
‘A Monumental Shift’: Under-the-Radar OIG Opinion Could Redefine Profit-Sharing Models for ASCs
For years, the general rule was that ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) couldn't share their revenue or profits with physicians, unless those individuals had a stake in the surgery center. But that relatively black-and-white rule may be turning a shade of gray. An under-the-radar opinion from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) issued in October 2023 challenged this long-standing practice regarding profit distribution. While the opinion applies … [Read more...]
USPI-Affiliated South Dakota Surgical Hospital to Pay $12.7M to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations
Siouxland Surgery Center, doing business as Dunes Surgical Hospital, United Surgical Partners International (USPI) and USP Siouxland Inc. have agreed to pay about $12.76 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations. The allegations are related to improper financial relationships between Dunes and two physician groups, according to a Sept. 16 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement. Dunes is a surgical hospital located in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Since July 1, 2014, USPI … [Read more...]