Tag: CMS

Translating MIPS Value Pathways into perioperative practice—What OR leaders need to know

In July 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed sweeping changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. Among the most impactful updates is the launch of the Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM)—a mandatory value-based payment program focused on heart failure and low back pain.…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
August 5, 2025
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CMS’s newly finalized TEAM payment model holds hospitals accountable for entire surgical episodes

Editor's Note As part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) newly issued 2026 Final Rule, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) will hold hospitals and health systems accountable for the entire episode of care for major surgeries, from admission through 30 days post-discharge. HIT Consultant reported the…

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By: Matt Danford
August 4, 2025
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CMS payment overhaul could cut specialist pay

Editor's Note A “quiet transformation” in how Medicare pays doctors could reduce payments for specialty care, including rates for billing codes associated with surgery, diagnostic imaging, outpatient care, pain management, and orthopedics, Modern Healthcare July 22 reports. According to the article, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 2026…

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By: Matt Danford
July 24, 2025
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Providers call for deeper reform despite CMS proposing payment hikes in 2026

Editor's Note CMS is boosting 2026 Medicare outpatient payments by 2.4%, but provider groups warn the increase barely scratches the surface of mounting financial strain. Alongside the payment bump, the agency is proposing a two-track physician reimbursement model that ties rates to value-based care participation. While some see these moves…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
July 23, 2025
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Anesthesia costs squeeze ASCs as staffing shortages, reimbursement gaps widen

Editor's Note Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to face a mounting anesthesia crisis: costs are rising, staffing is tightening, and reimbursement is failing to keep pace. Anesthesia payments have dropped 8.2% over the past decade, while provider salaries have risen by as much as 40%, creating a growing financial burden…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
July 23, 2025
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Rehab hospitals face scrutiny over safety, profits

Editor's Note Although for-profit rehab hospitals have become highly profitable, a recent KFF Health News report highlights serious safety violations, including patient deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning, medication errors, and falls.  Published July 15, the article delves into recent data and inspections of these facilities, particularly those run by…

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By: Matt Danford
July 17, 2025
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CMS 2026 proposed rule: Expanded ASC access, higher payments, tighter quality reporting

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) just proposed sweeping changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026, including extensive changes to outpatient Medicare policy such as payment increases, expanded procedural access, and new quality reporting updates, as outlined in…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
July 16, 2025
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CMS proposes 2026 Medicare pay bump, targets wasteful spending

Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a 3.62% increase to the 2026 Medicare physician fee schedule, according to a July 14 article in Fierce Healthcare. The proposed rule sets the conversion factor at $33.42, up from $32.35 in 2025. The increase reflects a 2.5%…

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By: Matt Danford
July 15, 2025
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ASC adaptability depends on properly structured leadership

Takeaways • Different types of ASC leadership structures can be adapted to meet organizational needs. • Regulations, accreditation standards, size, and ownership types are examples of factors influencing the leadership structure. • Ongoing success of the ASC leadership team depends on factors such as governing body diversity and strategic planning.…

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By: Cynthia Saver, MS, RN
July 1, 2025
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The Joint Commission announces accreditation overhaul

Editor's Note The Joint Commission has launched a major redesign of its healthcare accreditation and certification programs with Accreditation 360: The New Standard. According to a June 30 announcement, the new framework introduces outcome-focused performance tools, eliminates hundreds of requirements, and promises to made standards publicly accessible. Reportedly supported by…

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By: Matt Danford
June 30, 2025
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