Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center leaders to know for July 14, 2014.
ASCA successfully negotiates with CMS over proposed payments.
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association reported that the CMS 2015 proposed payment schedule for ASCs includes several points it successfully negotiated. ASCA successfully negotiated for issues such as the addition of 10 new spine procedures added to the list of 2015 payable procedures.
Healthcare adds jobs in June.
The healthcare industry added an estimated 21,000 jobs in June. Overall, the nation had an employment increase of 288,000. Ambulatory healthcare services contributed 13,000 jobs last month. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Texas leads U.S. in insured rate post-PPACA.
Texas has the highest uninsured rate at 24.81 percent in the wake of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mississippi follows closely behind with an uninsured rate of 21.46 percent. Massachusetts has the lowest rate at 1.2 percent. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
USPI acquires 55% stake in New Jersey ASC.
In April, Surgical Partners International acquired a 55 percent interest in Somerset Ambulatory Surgery Center in Somerville, N.J. "USPI is excited to add this high quality center to our current network of 14 centers across the state," said Michael Stroup, USPI senior vice president of acquisitions.
Southwestern Eye Center cuts physician travel time for better access to care.
Southwestern Eye Center, based in Phoenix, has 24 offices. The practice provides physicians access to private plans when they travel to remote locations to provide care. Physicians may travel back and forth between locations several times a week. The unusual travel strategy costs approximately $1 million each year.
CMS proposed changes would not eliminate colonoscopy cost sharing for polyp removal.
The CMS 2015 proposed rule would redefine colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy to include anesthesia, eliminating Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance for anesthesia services. But, the rule would not eliminate coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening including polyp removal.
Physician use of PAs rises 5%.
The use of physician assistants has risen from 25 percent to 30 percent since 2012, according to a Jackson Healthcare survey. Of the physicians participating in the survey, 76 percent said mid-level providers contribute to the productivity of physicians and their practices and that more patients receive care when they are part of their team. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
More Articles on ASC Issues:
57 Ambulatory Surgery Centers Opened or Announced in 2014
6 ASCs With 15+ Specialties
Market Warfare: 4 ASC Projects Contested in 2014
ASCA successfully negotiates with CMS over proposed payments.
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association reported that the CMS 2015 proposed payment schedule for ASCs includes several points it successfully negotiated. ASCA successfully negotiated for issues such as the addition of 10 new spine procedures added to the list of 2015 payable procedures.
Healthcare adds jobs in June.
The healthcare industry added an estimated 21,000 jobs in June. Overall, the nation had an employment increase of 288,000. Ambulatory healthcare services contributed 13,000 jobs last month. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Texas leads U.S. in insured rate post-PPACA.
Texas has the highest uninsured rate at 24.81 percent in the wake of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Mississippi follows closely behind with an uninsured rate of 21.46 percent. Massachusetts has the lowest rate at 1.2 percent. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
USPI acquires 55% stake in New Jersey ASC.
In April, Surgical Partners International acquired a 55 percent interest in Somerset Ambulatory Surgery Center in Somerville, N.J. "USPI is excited to add this high quality center to our current network of 14 centers across the state," said Michael Stroup, USPI senior vice president of acquisitions.
Southwestern Eye Center cuts physician travel time for better access to care.
Southwestern Eye Center, based in Phoenix, has 24 offices. The practice provides physicians access to private plans when they travel to remote locations to provide care. Physicians may travel back and forth between locations several times a week. The unusual travel strategy costs approximately $1 million each year.
CMS proposed changes would not eliminate colonoscopy cost sharing for polyp removal.
The CMS 2015 proposed rule would redefine colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy to include anesthesia, eliminating Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance for anesthesia services. But, the rule would not eliminate coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening including polyp removal.
Physician use of PAs rises 5%.
The use of physician assistants has risen from 25 percent to 30 percent since 2012, according to a Jackson Healthcare survey. Of the physicians participating in the survey, 76 percent said mid-level providers contribute to the productivity of physicians and their practices and that more patients receive care when they are part of their team. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
More Articles on ASC Issues:
57 Ambulatory Surgery Centers Opened or Announced in 2014
6 ASCs With 15+ Specialties
Market Warfare: 4 ASC Projects Contested in 2014