The 21st Century Cures Act is making its way through Congress and could have an impact on ambulatory surgery centers and physician owners, according to ASCA.
The bipartisan bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Nov. 30 and has two key provisions associated with Medicare patients:
1. Section 4012 directs the creation of a searchable website for Medicare beneficiaries to compare out-of-pocket costs and total expenses between ASCs and hospital outpatient departments.
2. Section 16003 protects physicians performing cases at ASCs from meaningful use penalties they'd face if they don't adopt a certified EHR; there currently isn't a certified EHR for ASCs. This legislation also gives HHS the ability to approve a certified EHR for ASCs.
The Senate is expected to vote next week on the legislation.