ASCA's Kara Newbury breaks down 2026 CMS Final Rule, discusses 2027 initiatives
Kara Newbury, JD, chief advocacy officer of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), recently spent some time with OR Manager to discuss the impact of CMS’ 2026 Final Payment Rule, as well as how ASCA is working with both regulators and legislators to achieve even more gains for the ASC…
ASCA’s Kara Newbury breaks down ASC wins in CMS’ 2026 Final Payment Rule
In its 2026 Final Payment Rule, CMS added 573 codes to the ASC Covered Procedures List (ASC-CPL). It’s a big win for the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and its advocacy efforts. Kara Newbury, JD, ASCA’s chief advocacy officer, first and foremost views the rule through the lens of Medicare…
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…
CMS Rural Health Transformation funding announced for all 50 states
Last week, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will award all 50 U.S. states funding under its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program “to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities across the country.” The initiative is intended to provide what the government estimates is…
CMS Rural Health Transformation program announces 2026 funding awards to all 50 states
On Dec. 29, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will award all 50 U.S. states funding under its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program “to strengthen and modernize health care in rural communities across the country.” The initiative is intended to provide what the government estimates is…
Smart ways to position your ASC for growth
Editor's Note As surgical procedures are shifting to the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting, smart planning and preparation can help ASCs approach smart growth in the next several years, according to a November 21 news story in Becker’s ASC Review. The article highlighted several business-savvy strategies for smart service line…
CMS delays start dates for ASC prior authorization demonstration
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the start date for the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) prior authorization demonstration that affects ten states. This delay shifts the date previously set for December 15, 2025, and sets two different phases across affected states into 2026, according…
Optimism and adaptability key with Medicare changes
Editor's Note Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leaders processing the November 21 decision from CMS to finalize its proposal to phase out Medicare’s inpatient-only list are looking at the change with optimism, as well as caution, according to a November 26 news story in Ambulatory Surgery Center News. The article featured…
CMS issues new guidance on Medicaid funding
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a letter on Medicaid funding November 17 with preliminary guidance for states regarding the implementation of new federal requirements on health care-related (provider) taxes in Medicaid. Per the letter, which was described in a news release at CMS.org, the…
New patient tool for seeking quality care includes surgery
Editor's Note Mayo Clinic has released a free, digital tool requiring no account or subscription that allows anyone to investigate healthcare quality by city, care specialty, or hospital, an October 30 press release from the health system reports. The tool includes search capability for a range of specific surgical specialties,…
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