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On November 21, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2026 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. Of note, CMS vastly expanded the ASC Covered Procedures List and extended the alignment of the ASC update factor with the hospital market basket through 2026. For more information, read ASCA’s initial rule alert and register for the upcoming webinar on December 2. |
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ASCA Content (11/25/25)
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The U.S. Department of Education has officially excluded nursing in its recently revamped definition of “professional degree” programs. This change occurs as part of the implementation of President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and has nursing organizations nationwide raising alarms.
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Nurse.org (11/20/25) Chaunie Brusie
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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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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the start date for the ASC prior authorization demonstration and will implement the demonstration in two phases. CMS had previously announced the demonstration would start on December 15. The demonstration project impacts the following 10 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. Read ASCA’s alert on the demonstration for more information. |
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ASCA Content (11/25/25)
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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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Almost half of US states have passed comprehensive consumer data privacy protections that go beyond federal health privacy rules, known as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The legislative push aims to close a widening security gap as more care, communication, and personal data move online — and beyond HIPAA’s limited scope.
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Medscape (11/18/25) Steph Weber
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Register by December 31 to save 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! |
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ASCA Content (11/25/25)
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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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Three major medical organizations are urging Anthem to withdraw a policy that would penalize hospitals and outpatient facilities that use out-of-network providers. The American Society of Anesthesiologists, American College of Emergency Physicians and American College of Radiology sent a joint letter to the insurer calling for it to rescind the policy, calling it "deeply flawed and operationally unworkable."
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Fierce Healthcare (11/17/25) Paige Minemyer
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Is it hard to tell if your ASC team is busy saving lives or chasing a signature? With HST’s EMR, e-signatures and task alerts guarantee 100% chart completion and real-time compliance. Every signature, every chart, every time. Plus, staff can chart at the same time on multiple devices in the same chart.Focus on patient care, not paperwork.Book a demo and see how.
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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 (11/25/25)
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Ambulatory anesthesia is increasing its activity, both in terms of numbers and complexity. It represents a possible solution for containing costs in healthcare, and for increasing the comfort of patients and families. AI (artificial intelligence) is a possible resource to further implement the activity of ambulatory anesthesia.
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Journal of Translational Medicine (10/21/25) Alessandro Vittori; Marco Cascella
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Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX) became the latest cosponsor of the Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act (H.R. 3006). As a key member of the influential House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Representative Veasey provides critical leadership in shaping national healthcare policies. Read this Digital Debut to learn more. |
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ASCA Content (11/25/25)
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The impact of environmental factors on operative performance is wide-ranging and variable between staff groups, locations, and the factor itself in question. In isolation, the benefits of altering an individual factor may be minor or subjective; however, as with elite sport, the scope for ‘marginal gains’ in performance is highly relevant to surgery.
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Surgical Endoscopy (11/11/25) Connor P. Boyle; James Crichton; Alessandro Sgrò; et al.
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Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center (NASC) in Nashua, NH, has expanded its services to include total joint surgery, beginning with its first total shoulder replacement performed by Dr. Daniel P. Bouvier on November 5, 2025. This marks the launch of NASC's total joint program, which will grow to include total hip and knee replacements in early 2026.
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PR Web (11/18/25)
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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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