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Registration is now open for the ASCA 2021 Virtual Coding & Reimbursement Seminar. This popular seminar—now a virtual event—provides essential training for ASC billers and coders. During three afternoons in January—Monday, January 11; Tuesday, January 19; and Monday, January 25—you’ll hear from industry experts as they discuss the coding and billing updates for 2021 and share strategies you can use to maximize your ASC’s reimbursements. Register by October 31 to save $50!
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Being an ASCA member gives you and your staff access to vital educational resources, timely networking, essential news, information and tools that apply daily in your practice. Don’t delay— renew your membership today to make sure you have continuing access to these valuable benefits into the new year. Not yet a member? See all the ways you can put ASCA benefits to good use and join today.
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Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, ASCA and its members have adapted to continue their vital advocacy efforts. In August, ASCA rolled out its virtual tour program, which replaced the in-person facility tours. The facility tours serve as one of the central methods of educating lawmakers about the ASC model and the benefits it provides to patients, communities and the Medicare system. Read this Digital Debut for more on how ASC advocacy continues despite the pandemic.
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The 2021 editorial calendar of ASC Focus is now online. The editors welcome contributions by external authors with expertise in the issues and topics relevant to the magazine’s audience: busy ASC professionals. Bring your ideas and pitch your stories to Sahely Mukerji. If you are interested in advertising, write Chris Schriever.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced amended terms for payments issued under the Accelerated and Advance Payment (AAP) Program. Initially, providers were required to make payments starting in August of this year, but with this action repayment will now begin one year from the issuance date of each provider or supplier’s accelerated or advance payment.
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CMS Press Release (10/16/20)
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Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released data showing that 21 percent of Medicare beneficiaries report forgoing non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) care due to the pandemic, and nearly all - 98 percent - of beneficiaries have taken preventative measures to keep themselves safe from the virus. According to the survey, the most common type of forgone care because of the pandemic was dental care (43 percent), followed by regular check-up (36 percent), treatment for ongoing condition (36 percent), and diagnostic or medical screening test (32 percent).
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CMS Press Release (10/16/20)
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PR Newswire (10/15/20)
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About two-thirds of all hospitals and health systems intend to increase their investments in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), according to the third annual national survey of senior executives and clinical leaders at health systems and hospitals. The survey results highlight the growing importance of ASCs to hospitals, which is further magnified by the increasing and ongoing shift of elective cases in the COVID-19 era.
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PR Newswire (10/15/20)
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Commonwealth Fund (10/15/20) Ateev Mehrotra; Michael Chernew; David Linetsky; et al.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the delivery of outpatient care. Initially, health care practices deferred elective visits, modified their practices to safely accommodate in-person visits, and increased their use of telemedicine.
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Commonwealth Fund (10/15/20) Ateev Mehrotra; Michael Chernew; David Linetsky; et al.
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Joint Commission Ambulatory Buzz blog (10/15/20) Loren Salter
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Has your ambulatory surgery center (ASC) considered pursuing The Joint Commission's Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement (THKR) certification? Have you wondered if THKR certification is right for your ASC?
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Joint Commission Ambulatory Buzz blog (10/15/20) Loren Salter
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Annals of Internal Medicine (10/13/20) James M. Scheiman; A. Mark Fendrick; Ushapoorna Nuliyalu; et al.
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Despite clear-cut evidence that colorectal cancer screening reduces mortality, screening rates are suboptimal in the United States. Federal law eliminates consumer cost sharing for multiple methods of colorectal cancer screening, including colonoscopy when done by an in-network provider.
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Annals of Internal Medicine (10/13/20) James M. Scheiman; A. Mark Fendrick; Ushapoorna Nuliyalu; et al.
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SIS Blog (10/15/20)
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Surgical Information Systems (SIS), the industry leader for business and clinical surgical software for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and hospitals, today announced that it received a majority equity investment from Accel-KKR, a leading technology-focused private equity firm. SIS provides business office management, clinical documentation, and patient communications tools that meet the unique needs of ASCs.
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SIS Blog (10/15/20)
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About ASCAMission: 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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