CMS proposed moving six procedures off the inpatient only list next year.
Here are five things to know:
1. For 2017, CMS proposes moving four spine surgeries and two laryngopalsty procedures off the inpatient-only list. This is the first step toward achieving reimbursement from Medicare.
2. According to ISASS, the spine codes that would be removed from the inpatient only list include:
• Posterior non-segmental instrumentation: CPT 22840
• Posterior segmental instrumentation: CPT 22842
• Anterior instrumentation; two to three vertebral segments: CPT 22845
• Total disc arthroplasty anterior approach including discectomy with end plate preparation: CPT 22858
3. The proposed OPPS/ASC rule also includes a section soliciting comments about whether total knee replacement surgery should be removed from the inpatient only list in a subsequent year.
4. Earlier this week the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment unanimously recommended CMS remove total knee replacements from the inpatient only list, according to an OR Manager report citing ASCA.
5. CMS requested additional information on how feasible it is to remove total knee replacements from the inpatient only list; orthopedic surgeons and ASC administrators can lend their support by writing letters to CMS.