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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 proposed payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) today. Of note, CMS has proposed to add 11 codes to the ASC Covered Procedures List (ASC-CPL), including total hip arthroplasty (THA). Learn more and download the rule. |
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ASCA is determining how to proceed with next year’s educational events—and we need your input. We realize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, so please complete this quick, six-question survey based on the information you have today. The deadline to provide your feedback is this Friday, August 7. Take Survey. |
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Monday, August 10, kicks off the third annual ASCA Member Appreciation Week! This celebration is dedicated to all of our wonderful members who make our work possible. Head over to the Member Appreciation Week website each day next week for your chance to win one of many daily prizes or grand prizes before the celebration ends on Friday, August 14! |
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COVID-19 brought about significant changes concerning technology, privacy and security that ASCs must know about to maintain compliance and protect sensitive patient and financial data. Find out how your center can keep its information safe and compliant during ASCA’s webinar, Privacy and Security Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, at 1:00 pm ET. Register today. This program is also included in ASCA’s 2020 Webinar All-Access Pass, which provides access to all 20 webinars in this year's series for one low fee. |
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Since ASCA’s last update in January, healthcare organizations across the country posted 233 breaches of protected health information (PHI) affecting at least 500 individuals. Consistent with previous time periods, most of the breaches—86 percent—were caused by unauthorized access or hacking. The percentage of breach investigations due to theft continues to decrease, comprising only 7 percent of breaches in the first half of 2020 down from 21 percent in the first half of 2017. Read this Digital Debut for information on selected enforcement actions that highlight some precautions ASCs can take. |
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On July 29, Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Dr. Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act of 2020. If enacted, this would ensure that all healthcare providers, regardless of taxpaying status, will not be subject to taxes on aid provided through the Provider Relief Fund. Additionally, the bill would ensure that expenses attributable to the Provider Relief Fund are tax deductible.
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Joint Commission -- Improvement Insights (07/24/20) David W. Baker; Gautham Suresh
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As COVID-19 continues to impact frontline workers and patients across the country, one area many health care organizations are still grappling with is how to best communicate and support individuals after a potential exposure? Notifying health care workers, patients and their family members about possible or known exposures to the virus is key to slowing the community spread.
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Joint Commission -- Improvement Insights (07/24/20) David W. Baker; Gautham Suresh
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MedTech Dive (07/27/20) Maria Rachal
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Several months back, many medical device makers painted a stark picture in which 50, 60 or 70 percent of their business dried up in a span of days, with elective surgeries largely shelved as the U.S. grappled with a pandemic few industries were prepared to handle. But as second quarter earnings reports roll in, the sector's story is shifting.
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MedTech Dive (07/27/20) Maria Rachal
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Medscape (07/22/20) Jennifer A. Christie; Carol A. Burke; Klaus Mergener
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There has been a significant impact on gastroenterology in the past few months because of the coronavirus. Komodo Health, a large medical claims database, reports that the number of colonoscopies dropped by nearly 90 percent by mid-April of this year.
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Medscape (07/22/20) Jennifer A. Christie; Carol A. Burke; Klaus Mergener
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MedPage Today (07/31/20) Kerry Dooley Young
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Federal officials are seeking comments about challenges clinicians may face in meeting a January 1, 2021, deadline for electronic submission of prescriptions for opioids covered by Medicare's Part D pharmacy benefit. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Thursday posted a request for information soliciting feedback from clinicians, insurance officials, and the public.
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MedPage Today (07/31/20) Kerry Dooley Young
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Workcompwire.com (07/21/20) Frank Raneri
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The COVID-19 pandemic delayed a large number of workers’ compensation-related orthopedic surgeries, many of which were scheduled to be performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Since ASCs resumed operations in early May, taking a closer look at their response to the pandemic can help illuminate some of the challenges and opportunities currently facing the workers' compensation surgical space.
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Workcompwire.com (07/21/20) Frank Raneri
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Healthcare Tech Outlook (07/09/2020)
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Numerous surgery departments are not running at peak efficiency, but hospital administration is not transparent as to what is driving inefficiency. How can administrators better understand the ways to optimize the performance of their surgery departments is vital.
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Healthcare Tech Outlook (07/09/2020)
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About ASCA Mission: The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is the national membership association that represents ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and provides advocacy and resources to assist ASCs in delivering high-quality, cost-effective ambulatory surgery to all the patients they serve. About Us: At ASCA, we are eager to help you become better acquainted with our nation's ASCs and the people who own and operate them. We are also eager to help you develop policies on ASC-related issues. If you have questions, please contact us. We'll put you in touch with the experts and, if you like, arrange for you to visit an ASC in your area. Contact Us: Advertising inquiries should be addressed to Chris Schriever or Alex Yewdell at 202.337.1897 or at advertising@ascassociation.org. Follow ASCA on
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