ACS highlights three aspects of CMS’ 2026 coding and reimbursement changes
In its January Bulletin, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has published a review of what it calls “significant” updates to CPT coding, payment models, and physician reimbursement that have taken effect in 2026. Here’s what’s particularly on surgeons’ minds: “Coding changes for general surgery and related specialties.” ACS specifically…
A closer look at how AI is changing surgery
A new article in ACS Bulletin, a publication from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), takes a deep dive into how the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings is forcing the industry to “reimagine the future of surgery.” Dr. Lenworth Jacobs Jr., a professor of surgery at…
New planning tool aims to boost success of surgical quality improvement projects
Editor's Note A newly developed framework could significantly strengthen the planning phase of small-scale surgical quality improvement (QI) projects, which often falter due to inadequate preparation, MedicalXpress October 16 reports. According to a report from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), published in the Journal of the American College of…
Study: Surgical hospital closures hit vulnerable communities hardest
Editor's Note Hospitals that provide surgical care are closing faster than new ones are opening, deepening inequities in access to surgery for socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, American College of Surgeons October 3 reports. Closures not only disrupt care, but also deter many from seeking surgery altogether. Increased travel burdens and difficulty…
ACS launches hospital search tool to spotlight surgical quality
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has launched a new online tool that helps patients and families locate hospitals recognized for delivering high-quality surgical care, according to an August 26 ACS announcement. The “Find a Hospital” tool highlights facilities that have earned ACS accreditation or verification through an…
ACS conference charts bold future for surgical quality with data, teamwork, frontline innovation
Editor's Note Surgical quality leaders are pushing boundaries with new strategies that blend technology, frontline engagement, and national-local collaboration. That was the message from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Quality and Safety Conference (QSC), held July 17–20, 2025, in San Diego, according to a September 10 ACS report. The…
ACS, Lifesaving Technologies launch nationwide effort to expand bleeding control readiness
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has partnered with Lifesaving Technologies to expand access to emergency response equipment and training across the US, the ACS announced on September 3. The collaboration builds on the ACS Stop the Bleed program, which has already trained more than 5 million people…
ACS issues new best practices for managing genitourinary trauma
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has released updated Best Practices Guidelines for the Management of Genitourinary Injuries, providing trauma teams with evidence-based recommendations to improve outcomes for patients with injuries to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and genitalia. According to an ACS August 26 news release, the…
Health systems embrace partnerships, new training pathways to address surgical technologist shortage
Roughly 41,000 surgical procedures happen in the US every day. Each one depends on surgical technologists (STs), the professionals who prepare the OR, hand off instruments, and ensure a sterile environment to prevent infections that affect up to 3% of all patients. The profession’s importance is reflected in AORN’s recommended…
UCSF pioneers robotic surgery assistant certification for medical students
Editor's Note University of California San Francisco (UCSF) became the first university to certify medical students as robotic surgery bedside assistants, giving future surgeons unprecedented hands-on training in a rapidly growing field, an August 25 UCSF news release reports. The program reportedly positions learners alongside attending surgeons, nurses, and scrub…
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