ASCA News Digest

Published November 5, 2024

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On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2025 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. Of note, CMS declined to add any of the surgical procedures requested by ASCA to the ASC Covered Procedures List (ASC-CPL) for 2025. Read ASCA’s initial rule alert now.
ASCA Content (11/05/24)
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FDA is warning patients and health care professionals not to use drugs compounded and distributed by Fullerton Wellness LLC, Ontario, Calif., and distributed to patients by medical offices and clinics. Based on conditions observed by FDA and information provided by California regulatory authorities, FDA has concerns about the sterility of drugs distributed by Fullerton Wellness.
Food and Drug Administration (11/01/24)
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Tuttnauer is investigating the development of a new tabletop sterilizer designed for ASCs. It is a unique device, that is completely new to the sterilization device market, and we want you to be part of our research and development! We are seeking feedback from professionals directly involved in defining sterilization protocols and ensuring the operational efficiency of ASC sterilization processes.

Join Tuttnauer as they investigate the development of a tabletop sterilizer.

Risk management and quality assessment/performance improvement work together to reduce the risk of errors, poor patient outcomes, and harm to patients, staff and the surgery center. Learn from real-life events how to improve processes, safety and outcomes by integrating assessment, monitoring and more during ASCA’s next webinar, Risk Management and Quality: Forever Partners.

This webinar will take place Tuesday, November 19, at 1:00 pm ET, and is included in ASCA’s 2024 Webinar All-Access Pass.

Starting January 1, this webinar will be included in 2025 ASCA membership. Learn more.
ASCA Content (11/05/24)
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How Healthcare Leaders REALLY Feel About AI in RCM

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape revenue cycle management for ASCs. Are the changes an asset or an obstacle? More than 400 healthcare managers and senior leaders reveal candid insights about AI’s value and potential.

While recovering from major surgery, Black patients may be less likely to receive certain multimodal analgesia options and more likely to receive oral opioids than white patients, according to research being presented at the Anesthesiology 2024 annual meeting. Multimodal analgesia, which uses multiple types of pain medication to reduce pain, has been shown to be more effective at treating postsurgical pain than a single medication alone, particularly after complex surgeries such as lung or abdominal cancer surgery and hernia repair.
American Society of Anesthesiologists (10/20/24)
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Get Compliance Peace of Mind

With an incomplete picture of compliance and credentialing, your risks are higher, you’re reactive, and you have a greater chance of penalties. Check out these nine reports to determine if your current reporting is making the grade. If not, consider an alternative solution that will deliver peace of mind.

On this week’s audio update, learn about the financial impact that rulemaking at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has on physicians who care for Medicare patients, including those who treat patients in ASCs. Faced with another reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates, physicians have turned to Congress for some relief. ASCA summarizes new, ASCA-backed legislation that would reverse the Medicare proposal and fund a small, inflationary adjustment.
ASCA Content (11/05/24)
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Deterra is the Solution for Safe Medication Disposal

Providers and patients can destroy unused medications quickly and easily with Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal Pouches. Read testimonials and learn how you can order case quantities of pouches for healthcare use.

Drug shortages were less frequent in Canada compared with in the US after drug-related supply chain issues were reported in both countries. These findings inform ongoing policy development and highlight the need for international cooperation between countries to curb the effects of drug shortages and improve the resiliency of the supply chain for drugs.
Journal of the American Medical Association (10/31/24) Mina Tadrous; Katherine Callaway Kim; Inmaculada Hernandez; et al.
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2024 ASC Industry Report Now Available: The 2024 State of the Industry Report is live, with data from 590+ ASCs across 47 states. Read the report now and schedule a demo to learn how HST can help you meet and exceed industry standards.

Cell-free DNA blood tests (cf-bDNA) and next-generation stool tests could change colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. First-generation cf-bDNA tests may deliver net benefit or harm, depending on the balance between achieving screening in persons who decline alternatives versus substituting cf-bDNA for more effective alternatives.
Annals of Internal Medicine (10/29/24) Uri Ladabaum; Ajitha Mannalithara; Robert E. Schoen; et al.
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Versatility in every drop: With its low-foam, pH-neutral, ultra-concentrated formulation, XEN Enzymatic+ delivers superb control for cleaning a wide range of medical instruments, including your most intricate devices.

Why wait—renew your ASCA membership today and check it off your to-do list! Next year, ASCA membership will include uninterrupted access to many benefits, including virtual education and essential OAS CAHPS Survey resources. Your 2024 membership expires on December 31. Renew before December 20 and receive your 2025 membership certificate in January.
ASCA Content (11/05/24)
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Lubbock is expected to see a full-service ambulatory surgery center by mid 2025, promising access to lower cost, high-quality surgical care. The center will be located in Southwest Lubbock at 9826 Slide Road, according to a public permit.
Everything Lubbock (10/31/24) Christianna Barbosa
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The NPDB 101 Webinar provides a general overview of the National Practitioner Data Bank. This November 19 webinar will cover: querying, reporting, and administrative issues.
National Practitioner Data Bank (11/05/24)
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On October 23, the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NYSAASC) hosted a meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to discuss current healthcare challenges impacting the ASC community and some potential solutions. Read this Digital Debut for an excerpt from an interview with NYSAASC President Jeffrey Flynn.
ASCA Content (11/05/24)
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News summaries © copyright 2024 Smithbucklin
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.

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