CMS plans to add only 26 dental surgical codes to the ASC payable list next year, according to the 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposal released July 13.
Joseph D'Agostino, administrator at Snellville, Ga.-based Advanced Surgery Center Perimeter and Gwinnett Advanced Surgery Center, joined Becker's to discuss his thoughts on recent CMS moves.
Editor's note: This response was edited lightly for length and clarity.
Question: How do you feel about CMS adding only 26 dental surgical codes to the ASC payable list next year?
Joseph D'Agostino: This is disappointing to hear; many other very beneficial procedures (including total shoulder replacements) for patients were proposed and not supported. This is a missed chance at significantly reducing Medicare costs.
Q: How do you feel about CMS' pitch for a 2.8 percent average rate increase for ASCs next year? What would you change about this proposal?
JD: I am pleased with the CMS pitch for a 2.8 percent average rate increase for ASCs for next year (historically speaking), however, given the continuous challenges with both medical supply chain variability and staffing volatility, this 2.8 percent increase may not be enough for facilities to sustain their operations. I would recommend at least 3.2 percent to offset these inevitable factors.