The ASC division at Medline recently participated in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association's National Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., to speak to members of Congress about the challenges facing the industry.
Key issues discussed included transparency in quality reporting and the Medicare procedure approval process, as well as access to care. Fifty-four association members from 15 states discussed bills with members of Congress that would allow for greater access to care for ASC patients.
Adding an ASC representative to the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment and disclosing ASC procedure list criteria also were discussed.
"ASCs fill a need in our communities by providing consumers with alternative, quality options for surgical care,” said Roe Riggio, vice president of ASC national accounts at Medline. "During National Advocacy Day, we wanted to highlight the impact H.R. 4350 and H.R. 1570 can have on the healthcare industry by providing patients with better access to care and greater transparency so they can make informed decisions. It was also an opportunity for us to learn from our elected officials about their legislative priorities when it comes to healthcare."