ASCA News Digest

Published December 9, 2025

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ASCs could experience financial strain from Anthem’s new commercial facility administrative policy for out-of-network providers. Anthem published the new policy on October 1, and it would affect both hospitals and surgery centers. Read this Digital Debut to learn more.
ASCA Content (12/09/25)
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Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, M.D., is doubling down on his scrutiny of the American Medical Association's handling of billing and claims processing codes, telling the professional organization this week that it dodged several of the questions he posed on pricing and other topics back in October. The senator, a Republican from Louisiana and Congress' most prominent healthcare legislator, has been putting the screws on the professional association for, in his words, "abusing" its widely adopted Current Procedural Terminology coding system with "exorbitant fees" that drive higher healthcare costs.
Fierce Healthcare (12/02/25) Dave Muoio
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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 to access this course as part of your membership!
ASCA Content (12/09/25)
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The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America have announced a new collaborative initiative, the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group, to address infection prevention priorities of national importance. The elimination of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee has created gaps in coordinated, multidisciplinary alignment on infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship issues, raising concerns, about potential variation and inconsistencies in organizational policies and clinical practice.
APIC News Release (12/02/25)
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Hurry and register by Wednesday, 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. Check out the conference schedule to see the full range of sessions, which are designed to deliver one of our most robust programs yet.

Register today to save!
ASCA Content (12/09/25)
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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.

Biases and heuristics contribute to surgical errors and never events, and will continue to do so until they are recognised and addressed. Implementing debiasing strategies, such as mindfulness training and deliberate reflection, was found to reduce surgical errors in 2 studies.
Annals of Surgery (12/01/25) Vol. 282, No. 6, P. 946 Holly Aylmore; Srishti Agarwal; Hani Marcus; et al.
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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!
ASCA Content (12/09/25)
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The statistics are shocking: 138,000 registered nurses have left the workforce since 2022 and at least 40% plan to retire or leave the profession in the next 5 years — and new updates from the Department of Education could make the national nursing crisis even worse. The reason? Nursing is no longer considered a professional degree.
Medscape (12/08/25) Jodi Helmer
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The ASCA Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations for the ASCA Board of Directors. There are four open positions, which include two incumbent board members running for a second term. Candidates must hold leadership positions at an ASCA member facility or management company. Those selected to serve are expected to attend at least three board meetings per year and participate in ASCA’s National Advocacy Day event.

Learn more about the process and submit your nomination by Wednesday, December 31.
ASCA Content (12/09/25)
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Choosing the right state to practice surgery can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career surgery specialist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.
Conexiant (12/03/25)
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State Senator Peter Harckham and State Assemblyman Matt Slater have called on the State Health Department to respond to Optum Health Care’s decision dropping coverage for several low-cost health plans while shuttering local medical facilities. The two lawmakers noted by eliminating multiple plans including Individual Exchange options such as Fidelis / WellCare and Cigna / HealthSpring, many low-income residents, Medicare Advantage enrollees and Medicaid patients will be impacted.
MidHudson News (NY) (12/03/25)
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News summaries © copyright 2025 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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