|
|
|
Doctors have voiced concerns about a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that would expand Medicare coverage for some colorectal cancer screening tests. The proposal would allow for coverage of non-invasive, blood-based tests under new national standards if they meet specific performance thresholds.
|
|
The Center Square (05/05/26) Tom Joyce
|
|
|
|
The ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo starts tomorrow, May 13! If you haven’t registered yet, don’t worry— you can still register onsite. The conference provides top-quality ASC education, access to the largest exhibit hall in the industry and ample opportunities for networking. And new for 2026, the conference will be held in partnership with SAMBA (Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia). We hope to see you at this can’t-miss event! |
|
ASCA Content (05/12/26)
|
|
HST’s EMR gives your ASC real-time electronic charting, 100% chart completion, and simultaneous multi-clinician access."What normally takes 3–4 hours for a chart audit was done in 37 minutes."Hannah Martinez, Clinical Director, Cascade Spine Center"We've eliminated chart audit battles 100%. Nobody leaves without a signature."Michael Tassos, Administrator, Pegasus Surgery CenterJoin 1,800+ ASCs who use HSTBook a demo
|
|
|
|
|
A common practice imposed by health insurers on patients and providers is their intrepid need to second-guess clinician treatment decisions by requiring prior authorizations before paying a claim. The current prior authorization process creates unnecessary delays for patients, burdens health care providers with excessive paperwork, and erodes trust between payers and health care providers, even though all share the same goal: delivering high-quality patient care.
|
|
CMS Blog (05/05/26) Mehmet Oz
|
|
The reimagined ASC Focus is finally here! With fresh layouts, vibrant visuals and sharper storytelling, this new look reflects our evolving voice, keeping pace with the changing media landscape. While staying true to our roots, the redesign delivers a modern, more intuitive and engaging experience for our readers.Explore the new site now at ascfocus.org. Pick up a copy this week at the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo!
|
|
|
|
This is your last chance to nominate that special person in your surgery center for the ASC Focus 10 Under 40 Honors program, which recognizes rising stars who are making waves in their surgery centers and shaping the ASC community. If you know a young leader driving real change and innovation, this is your chance to spotlight their impact. Nominations are due this Saturday, May 16—submit your nomination today! |
|
ASCA Content (05/12/26)
|
|
Save Up To 50% on Demo & Refurbished Medical EquipmentSoma Tech Intl has been a trusted leader in the refurbished medical equipment industry for over 30 years, offering new, demo, & refurbished capital medical equipment up to 50% below OEM prices with the same service and warranty as new.
|
|
|
|
|
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01), alongside Congressmen Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03) today introduced the Medicare Physician Data-Driven Performance Payment System Act, legislation to modernize Medicare’s physician payment system, reduce burdens on providers, and improve care for patients. As a physician, Dr. Miller-Meeks is leading efforts to replace the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, a program that has created significant administrative challenges for providers and raised concerns about fairness and effectiveness.
|
|
U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Press Release (04/30/26)
|
|
Learn how one ASC reduced aged AR by 33% and boosted cash per case by 6% in six months through focused revenue integrity, analytics, and hands-on collaboration. The results highlight what’s possible when strategy and execution align.Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
UnitedHealthcare plans to eliminate prior authorization for 30 percent of services that require insurer approval, reducing delays and paperwork for patients and doctors. The company said, by the end of 2026, it will remove prior authorization requirements for certain outpatient surgeries, diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, and some outpatient therapies and chiropractic care.
|
|
The Hill (05/06/26) Andrew Dorn
|
|
|
ASCA Celebrates National Nurses Week
|
|
National Nurses Week, May 6–12, is a time dedicated to celebrating nurses and the critical role they play in healthcare. ASCA would like to recognize the many nurses working in ASCs today for their contributions to the ASC community and the patients they serve.
|
|
ASCA Content (05/12/26)
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign doctors will again be able to obtain visas to work in the United States after the Trump administration quietly adjusted a policy that had previously halted their immigration processing. The Department of Homeland Security policy is linked to a broad travel restriction introduced earlier this year.
|
|
Newsweek (05/04/26) Aliss Higham
|
|
|
|
The ASC Quality Collaboration opened its second ASC Safety & Quality Assessment on May 1. Building on the nearly 400 ASCs that participated in the 2025 assessment, ASCQC is calling on surgery centers nationwide to evaluate their performance against nationally recognized best practices during this year’s six-week submission window, which runs through June 15, 2026. The online survey is available at no cost to all ASCs and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. |
|
ASCA Content (05/05/26)
|
|
|
|
|
When something goes wrong on a plane, investigators turn to the black box. Now, a similar tool is being tested in operating rooms – where researchers review synchronized video, audio and physiological data to gain a better understanding of what happens during surgery.
|
|
University of Toronto Magazine (04/22/26) Bonnie O'Sullivan
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|