Here are two legislative changes that impact ASCs and healthcare facilities across the nation.
CMS releases final MACRA rule
CMS' Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 will get rid of the sustainable growth formula, replacing it with a 0.5 percent annual rate increase through 2019. After this time, CMS will encourage physicians to move to either the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System or an Alternative Payment Model. CMS' final rule increased the low-volume threshold to $30,000 in Medicare Part B charges or 100 Medicare patients.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health considers DON regulatory changes
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has proposed regulatory changes that modify the state's determination of need regulation in which surgery centers would be mandated to apply for a DON and be affiliated with an acute care hospital to make basic center changes. As the regulation currently stands, a proposed project is defined as:
• Any capital expenditure
• Substantial change in service
• An original license
• Transfer of ownership
• DON-required service
• Equipment
• Any combination of these listings
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