Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) stakeholders are raising concerns after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its intention to rescind the long-standing policy requiring public participation in certain rulemaking processes, particularly those involving Medicare, Medicaid and reimbursement. The move could significantly limit opportunities for ASC operators and others to comment on future regulatory changes. And it might lead to legal challenges, too. “I believe … [Read more...]
ASCs Confront Mounting Reimbursement Hurdles, Price Transparency Pressures
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are confronting an evolving landscape of reimbursement pressures, heightened prior authorization hurdles and new pushes for price transparency. “Authorization has been a huge issue throughout 2024,” Todd Currier, CEO and administrator of Bend Surgery Center, said during a recent Ambulatory Surgery Center News webinar. “Trying to get pre-ops done for surgical cases, it just, it’s grown our backlog to cases and delayed procedures. ... It delays care, which is … [Read more...]
Mount Sinai Health System Boosts Surgical Care Capabilities, Opens New ASC
One of the more innovative health systems in the U.S. is expanding its ambulatory surgery center (ASC) network. Mount Sinai Health System announced on Sept. 30 that it officially opened its Peakpoint Midtown West Surgery Center. The 25,106-square-foot ASC is a joint venture between Mount Sinai, area surgeons and Merritt Healthcare. “Peakpoint Midtown West underscores our commitment to expanding access to the latest surgical treatments and world-leading medical care for all patients,” Brent … [Read more...]