Requirements for Participating in Medicare
Medicare Conditions for Coverage
Medicare establishes requirements, called Conditions for Coverage that ASCs must meet in order to be certified to participate in Medicare.
Changes to Conditions for Coverage Finalized
On October 30, 2008, Medicare released changes to the Conditions for Coverage for ASCs that will become effective May 18, 2009. Of note a revised definition will apply to ASCs: "ASC means any distinct entity that operates exclusively for the purpose of providing surgical services to patients not requiring hospitalization and in which the expected duration of services would not exceed 24 hours following an admission."
The ASC Association will be analyzing the rule and releasing more information shortly.
Register for a Members Only audio-conference on the 2009 Rates.
Complying with Medicare's Current Requirements
Complying with Medicare's varied requirements can be daunting for an ASC. The ASC Association is here to help.
ASC Association members, answers to your Medicare compliance questions are just a phone call away! The Membership Services Team is a dedicated team of professionals who are there to assist members with Medicare's coverage requirements and other issues. Call 703.836.8808 and ask to speak to a membership services team member.
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Resources from the ASC Association:
Understanding the Changes Medicare's Condition for Coverage
- Changes to ASC Conditions for Coverage
Download a copy of Medicare's final changes. The section on the ASC Conditions for Coverage begins on p. 212. - Conditions for Coverage Redline Comparison
Use this document created by the ASC Association to quickly compare the previous Conditions for Coverage with the new changes.
Complying with Medicare's Current Requirements
Current Conditions for Coverage
Download a copy of the Current Conditions for Coverage
Interpretive Guidelines for Medicare Certification
Medicare issues guidelines for surveyors to use in determining whether ASCs are in compliance with Medicare requirements. These interpretive guidelines are informative in interpreting Medicare’s requirements.
Revisit Fees for ASCs
In September 2007, Medicare finalized a rule establishing survey fees for revisits to ASCs and other health care facilities that have been cited for deficiencies during initial certification down load a copy of that rule here.
Medicare Clarifies backup power requirements
CMS has issued a memorandum stating that ASCs under certain circumstances are allowed to use batteries for backup power.
Complying with the Life Safety Code
Medicare requires ASCs to comply with the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC), updated and published by the National Fire Protection Association.
