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Hospital groups and patient advocacy organizations clashed over potential benefits and harms of the latest Medicare payment policies and rates for hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center services for 2026. The update is designed to curb unnecessary spending, improve care quality, and expand patient access, according to a press release from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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MedPage Today (11/26/25) Shannon Firth
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Sign up now for ASCA’s 2026 Coding & Reimbursement for ASCs virtual course, streaming live January 12–14 and available on demand afterward. During this course, which provides essential training for ASC billers and coders, participants will hear from industry experts as they discuss the coding and billing updates for 2026 and share strategies to maximize ASC reimbursements. You must attend the course as it airs live to receive AAPC credits. The coding course—along with ASCA’s entire suite of virtual education—is included in 2026 ASCA membership and is also available for purchase by nonmembers. Join ASCA or renew your membership for 2026 to access this course as part of your membership! |
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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When cases require IONM, SpecialtyCare is the partner you can count on. Our nationwide network of expert neurophysiologists ensures reliable coverage for your ASC, even in complex cases. We seamlessly integrate with your surgical teams to provide consistent, expert monitoring—reducing risk, avoiding costly complications, and supporting your surgeons when it matters most.
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finalized a payment policy that covers cardiac catheter ablation procedures in ambulatory surgery centers for the first time. The Heart Rhythm Society’s advocacy arm representing electrophysiologists called the final rule, which is effective Jan. 1, 2026, a milestone for the field.
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MedTech Dive (11/26/25) Susan Kelly
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Listen to the latest episode of ASCA’s Advancing Surgical Care Podcast to hear ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice and ASCA Chief Advocacy Officer Kara Newbury summarize the key provisions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2026 final payment rule for ASCs, including the effective update for ASC payments, expansion of the ASC Covered Procedures List and changes to the ASC Quality Reporting Program. Prentice and Newbury also provide essential guidance, information and resources for Medicare-certified ASCs in the year ahead. |
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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If you think there are only two ASC practice management platforms out there, think again!There’s a new name in ASC software — and it’s changing the game. GoRev simplifies scheduling, compliance, and billing with one seamless platform.Faster workflows. Smarter operations. Real results.Book a demo to learn more.
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Among younger, newly screening-eligible adults, there were no significant differences in [colorectal cancer (CRC)] testing uptake after controlling for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Further investigation is needed to understand barriers and facilitators to CRC screening uptake in this population and guide interventions to reduce early-onset CRC morbidity and mortality.
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Journal of the National Cancer Institute (11/09/25) Katherine L. Chen; Carol M. Mangione; Ya-Chen Tina Shih
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Procision's AI Powered Patient CommunicationsTraditional patient communication is broken—calls go unanswered, messages get missed, and staff are stretched thin. Discover how AI is closing the gap with smarter, more personal outreach that patients actually respond to.Click here for full article and more details
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Register by December 31 to get the best rate on the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo, taking place May 13–16 in Washington, DC. New for 2026, the conference will feature SAMBA, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia. This exciting collaboration brings together ASC clinical and operational leaders with experts in outpatient anesthesia to offer a richer, more interdisciplinary learning and networking experience for the entire ASC community. Register today to save! |
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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Only 18% of physicians report being highly engaged in their workplaces, according to new data from CHG Healthcare’s Physician Sentiment Survey. The findings reveal a deepening culture crisis driven by administrative burdens, staffing shortages, and mounting pressure—but also identify clear pathways for improvement.
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CHG Healthcare (11/18/25)
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Renew your ASCA membership online today! With your membership comes a variety of benefits that help you run your ASC more efficiently, provide quality patient care, and stay up to date on industry trends and regulations. ASCA membership includes complimentary access to all of ASCA’s virtual education programs and —new in 2026—ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey. Not yet a member? Join now!
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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Primary care is facing existential challenges — from lower relative investment compared to specialty care to clinician burnout — which are particularly acute in rural communities. For the more than 60 million people, or one in five Americans, who live in rural areas, strengthening primary care requires rural-specific solutions.
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Commonwealth Fund (11/17/25) Celli Horstman; Arnav Shah
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All CASC and CAIP certificants must pay an annual fee during the payment period (October 1–December 31) every year or their credential will be revoked. There is no extension period. The fee is $180 for the CASC credential and $75 for the CAIP credential. Payments can be made via the portal login on the CASC and CAIP websites. |
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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Surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal instrumentation surgery is a serious complication that is difficult to eliminate. We examined the associated factor for SSI in our institution.
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Scientific Reports (11/18/25) Shinji Tanishima; Tokumitsu Mihara; Chikako Takeda; et al.
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In May 2021, emergency preparedness at Union City Surgery Center in Union City, Tennessee, was tested in multiple ways. A man drove his car into an occupied operating room, then exited with a firearm before leaving through the hole in the wall. Read this ASC Focus article to learn how the facility responded, how to strengthen your ASC’s readiness and how to avoid complacency. |
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ASCA Content (12/02/25)
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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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