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If you haven't already, renew your ASCA membership for 2020 before it expires on February 28. ASCA membership provides your entire staff with access to vital educational resources, great networking opportunities, essential industry news and practical tools to use daily in your facility. Members can renew via the online portal on ASCA’s website or by returning the renewal notice received in the mail. Not yet an ASCA member? Join today.
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Register today for the ASCA 2020 Conference & Expo, May 13–16 in Orlando, to receive the early bird discount. ASCA’s annual conference will feature more than 50 educational sessions designed specifically for ASC professionals, access to hundreds of ASC-industry vendors who can help you find the solutions you’re looking for, networking opportunities with more than a thousand of your colleagues and more. Register today to save!
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Completing a quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) project can take considerable time and effort. As long as your ASC is making that kind of investment, some who have managed QAPI studies in the past advise, make sure that your project goes beyond just meeting the requirements and provides real benefits to your facility. Read this ASC Focus article on how to choose meaningful QAPI topics, leverage your findings and re-evaluate.
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On February 10, the White House released its budget proposal for FY 2021. Since Congress is ultimately in charge of passing a budget, this document isn’t a commitment to any future spending but rather a window into the administration’s budget and policy priorities. The proposed budget recommends $94.5 billion in funding for the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), which would be a ten percent cut to the current spending.
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Fierce Pharma (02/17/20) Eric Palmer
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The FDA is bracing for drug and medical supply shortages in the U.S. as the COVID-19 outbreak from China continues to spread globally. The agency has contacted hundreds of drug and devicemakers, and, so far, the links of the supply chain have held but will take all available measures if disruptions appear.
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Fierce Pharma (02/17/20) Eric Palmer
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APIC News Release (02/11/20)
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APIC has created a new fact sheet for infection preventionists to share with their colleagues and patients during the ongoing coronavirus situation. The new fact sheet was developed in collaboration with APIC's Communications Committee.
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APIC News Release (02/11/20)
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The Oklahoman (02/10/20) Eddie Roach
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There is good news for Medicare recipients who are facing the prospect of angioplasty with stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup. As one of several changes for 2020, Medicare will now cover some types of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as an outpatient service.
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The Oklahoman (02/10/20) Eddie Roach
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JAMA Surgery (02/12/20) Bradley W. Wills; Walter R. Smith; Alexandra M. Arguello; et al.
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Surgical site infections (SSIs) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Various measures have been enacted decrease the occurrence of SSIs involving the regulation of the attire worn by the operating room staff, at times without sufficient peer-reviewed literature to support their implementation. To evaluate whether the combination of mandated surgical jackets and bouffants in the operating room is associated with the risk of surgical site infection.
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JAMA Surgery (02/12/20) Bradley W. Wills; Walter R. Smith; Alexandra M. Arguello; et al.
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USA Today (02/11/20) Kristin Lam
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One in five patients may get a surprise medical bill after non-emergency surgeries such as a knee replacement or hysterectomy, according to a new study. Out of about 350,000 surgeries for patients covered by a nationwide commercial insurer, researchers found 20 percent received bills for services their insurance didn't pay for, according to a study published Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA,) a peer-reviewed medical periodical.
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USA Today (02/11/20) Kristin Lam
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About ASCA Mission: The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is the national membership association that represents ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and provides advocacy and resources to assist ASCs in delivering high-quality, cost-effective ambulatory surgery to all the patients they serve. About Us: At ASCA, we are eager to help you become better acquainted with our nation's ASCs and the people who own and operate them. We are also eager to help you develop policies on ASC-related issues. If you have questions, please contact us. We'll put you in touch with the experts and, if you like, arrange for you to visit an ASC in your area. Contact Us: Advertising inquiries should be addressed to Chris Schriever or Alex Yewdell at 202.337.1897 or at advertising@ascassociation.org. Follow ASCA on
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