Important Dates in September

August 31, 2017

Make sure to mark your calendar for the following dates this month:

Thursday, September 7

• ASCA CEO Bill Prentice participates in a joint session at 8:30 am PT during the California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) Annual Conference. ASCA will also have a booth in the exhibit hall during the conference, September 6–8 in Indian Hills, California

Monday, September 11

• Deadline to submit comments on Medicare’s 2018 ASC proposed payment rule

Tuesday, September 12

• ASCA Director of Education & Clinical Affairs Gina Throneberry presents “CMS Quality Measures, Including OAS CAHPS” at 9:30 am PT during the 2017 Oregon ASC Association Annual Conference & Trade Show, September 12–13 in Portland, Oregon

Friday, September 15

• ASCA CEO Bill Prentice speaks at 8:30 am ET during the Michigan Ambulatory Surgery Association (MASA) 2017 Education Day, September 14–15 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
• ASCA Regulatory Counsel Kara Newbury presents a federal government update at 8:30 am ET during the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NYSAASC) 2017 Fall Conference and Vendor Fair, September 14–15 in Cooperstown, New York

Thursday, September 21

• ASCA Regulatory Counsel Kara Newbury leads a breakout session on federal regulations updates at 10:45 am ET and ASCA CEO Bill Prentice delivers a keynote presentation at 11:45 am ET during the Ohio Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (OAASC) 2017 Annual Conference. ASCA will also have a booth during the conference, September 19–21 in Columbus, Ohio
• ASCA Director of Education & Clinical Affairs Gina Throneberry gives a presentation on quality reporting measures at 8:30 am CT during the 2017 Midwest ASC Conference, September 20–22 in Branson, Missouri

Tuesday, September 26

• ASCA webinar “Cyber Security Issues for ASCs” at 1:00 pm ET

Friday, September 29

• Deadline to participate in ASCA’s Member Referral Program and earn a $25 gift card for recruiting a new ASC to join ASCA

Month of September

• Register for one of ASCA’s three 2018 Winter Seminars, January 11–13 in Las Vegas, Nevada
• As you finish planning your 2018 budget, consider:
  • Buying and selling your health care supplies and equipment through the ASCA Asset Network
  • Obtaining high-quality, affordable translation and interpretation services that meet Medicare certification requirements through ASCA’s affinity partnership with Akorbi
  • Ensuring your ASC remains competitive by purchasing results from ASCA’s 2017 Salary and Benefits Survey

Later this year:

Wednesday, November 15

• New Emergency Preparedness Requirementsare implemented for 17 CMS-certified provider and supplier types, including ASCs. ASCs must complete several required activities before surveys beginning November 15, so ASCs that have not yet started their emergency preparedness activities should begin immediately