The Medicare Beneficiary Copay Fairness Act is gaining momentum. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) has joined as one of the newest cosponsors of the Act. The bipartisan bill was introduced on April 24 and addresses a Medicare payment rule for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), where Medicare Part B beneficiaries pay a standard 20% coinsurance for procedures at both ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). However, only HOPD copays are limited by the inpatient deductible, which is … [Read more...]
ASC Expansion Driven by Technology, Demographic Changes and Strategic Mergers
The health care industry anticipates substantial growth in outpatient services over the next decade as technology progresses, and an aging population demands more frequent and complex care. That’s based on a new report by Colliers on the growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Outpatient care is expanding into new regions and service areas to enhance efficiency and patient treatment, creating new opportunities for partnerships and acquisitions for both national and regional hospital … [Read more...]