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Applications for the virtual class of the ASC Administrator Development Program are due this Thursday, August 31.The ASC Administrator Development Program is a yearlong mentoring program that matches newer and aspiring administrators with their more experienced peers. This virtual class will offer the same great content as the hybrid class—but without the costs and inconvenience of traveling! ASCA is accepting applications for both mentors and mentees. A maximum of 30 mentees will be accepted into the class. Learn more and apply today!
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Last week, ASCA released the latest 60-Second Survey on price transparency. For this survey, ASCA is interested in whether your facility provides generic pricing or cost estimates to patients. Price transparency is currently a major topic of conversation in health policy, and your feedback will help ensure that ASCA advocacy accurately reflects the current operations of surgery centers. The survey will close Friday, September 1. |
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A research firm conducted interviews and data analysis at 9 ASCs to understand the value of switching to an EMR. They found ASCs averaging 100 cases/month & spending $1,600/month on paper switched to an EMR & saw these benefits: Recognized $177,000 in annual benefits, paid back the EMR cost in 4 months, achieved 301% ROI by year 3. Larger centers saw even greater financial savings. Read the full report here. |
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Updates to ASCA’s Website
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ASCA is about to launch a redesigned website developed to improve the user experience for our members and all our audiences.
Next month, you may experience periodic disruptions to the website. We will do our best to keep you updated on our progress, and look forward to sharing the new site with you and learning about your experiences there.
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In August, ASCs across the country celebrate National ASC Month to highlight the high-quality, cost-effective surgical care that surgery centers provide to their patients and communities. Earlier this month, South Kansas City Surgicenter in Overland Park, Kansas, hosted a tour for Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS). Read this Digital Debut for an excerpt from an interview with Christine Blackburn, administrator of the surgery center. |
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Is Video Laryngoscopy a Cost-effective Option?
The intubation techniques and tools you choose every day can affect your facility’s costs and patient outcomes. So which investments pay off? To find out, we looked at recent studies evaluating the clinical and economic impact of different intubation devices and techniques. Take a look at this infographic to see the results.
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The California Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has released a proposed rule to implement the state’s healthcare market oversight requirements as enacted by SB 184 in 2022. Under the proposed rule, effective January 1, 2024, a healthcare entity (defined to include payers, providers or fully integrated delivery systems) that meets established thresholds must provide OHCA with at least 90 days’ advance notice of transactions that will occur on or after April 1, 2024.
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More than 8 in 10 health care leaders in a new survey say hiring and keeping talent is a top risk for their business — a reflection of the labor issues continuing to roil health care and other high-stakes industries. Why it matters: Health care executives (82 percent) were more likely than those from most industries (71 percent) to indicate concern about talent retention in this inflationary environment, according to a PwC August Pulse Survey.
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Axios (08/28/23) Tina Reed
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The health care industry has suffered fewer but larger cybersecurity breaches in the first half of 2023, suggesting a shift in targets and tactics among attackers, wrote cybersecurity firm Critical Insight in a new report. The 308 health care data breaches reported to the federal government from January through June represent a 15 percent sequential decline from the back half of 2022’s 363, according to the report.
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Fierce Healthcare (08/24/23) Dave Muoio
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Researchers investigated the effects of bariatric surgery for weight loss on cancer risk and mortality. They found that bariatric surgery reduced cancer risk by 25 percent and mortality by 43 percent, especially in women; however, further studies are needed to understand underlying mechanisms.
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Medical News Today (08/26/23)
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Plastic surgeons have noticed more young adults and some teens are increasingly opting for cosmetic surgeries amidst the “selfie boom” and social media trends referred to as "snapchat dysmorphia" or the "instaface effect." The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported 82 percent of facial procedures done last year included Botox and fillers.
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News Center Maine (08/28/23) Hannah Yechivi
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The Biden administration this week is expected to announce the first 10 prescription drugs the federal government will negotiate under a new federal law that aims to reduce the cost of Medicare's most expensive medicines. For the first time, the federal government is allowed to negotiate drug prices for older Americans due to the Inflation Reduction Act, the sweeping climate and health legislation passed by Congress last year.
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USA Today (08/27/23) Ken Alltucker
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Health insurer Cigna Group said on Thursday it would remove the use of prior authorization or paperwork required to get approval for insurance coverage for 25 percent of medical services. Health insurers have come under pressure as physicians claim that the pre-authorization requirements for some procedures are restrictive and increase their paperwork.
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Reuters (08/24/23)
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About ASCAMission: 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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