The Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Health & Human Services has released its 2012 Work Plan, which includes two studies concerning ambulatory surgery centers, according to an ASCA release.
The first study, entitled "Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Payment System," will review the appropriateness of Medicare's methodology for setting ASC payment rates under the revised payment system. The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association has raised ongoing concerns regarding the growing disparity between payment rates to ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. The two facilities are updated based on two different systems: the CPI-U for ASCs and the market basket for HOPDs.
The second study, "ASCs and HOPDs: Safety and Quality of Surgery and Procedure," will review the safety and quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries in both settings. The OIG will assess pre-surgical care and surgical care in both settings, identify adverse events and compare quality and safety between the settings.
Learn more about the ASC Association.
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The first study, entitled "Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Payment System," will review the appropriateness of Medicare's methodology for setting ASC payment rates under the revised payment system. The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association has raised ongoing concerns regarding the growing disparity between payment rates to ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. The two facilities are updated based on two different systems: the CPI-U for ASCs and the market basket for HOPDs.
The second study, "ASCs and HOPDs: Safety and Quality of Surgery and Procedure," will review the safety and quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries in both settings. The OIG will assess pre-surgical care and surgical care in both settings, identify adverse events and compare quality and safety between the settings.
Learn more about the ASC Association.
Related Articles on Surgery Center Advocacy:
NJ Congressman John Runyan Cosponsors ASC Quality & Access Act
ASCs Could Face Medicare Cuts From Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
10 Must-Reads From the Week of Sept. 12