Timing will be everything for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) getting ready for Medicare's new ASC payment system. The biggest payment overhaul in 20 years is slated to take effect Jan 1, 2008. But the final rule is not expected until this month or later, giving ASCs a short time to…

At the FASA meeting in New Orleans in May, speakers from outside the health care field struck a common chord: ASCs have a great story to tell, one that combines cost-effective care with excellent outcomes. Speakers encouraged attendees to tell their story to politicians, legislatures, and the general public. One…

Third in a series of articles on improving revenue. You've made sure you're doing all you can at the front end to line up your procedures for correct reimbursement—your staff is clued in to ask the right questions during scheduling and is meticulous about insurance verification and precertification, which were…

With supplies and staffing being an ambulatory surgery center's 2 major costs, no ASC can afford to be without a good strategy for managing its inventory and supply costs. Strong partnerships, teamwork with physicians, a relentless focus on cost management, and smart use of technology are some of the ways…

Researchers have developed a scoring system they say can help identify patients at risk for admission after outpatient surgery: Outpatient surgery admission index Assign 1 point each for: being 65 years or older an OR time >120 min cardiac diagnoses peripheral vascular disease cerebrovascular disease malignancy HIV-positive status using regional…

Second in a series of articles on improving revenue. Being paid the right amount for your services starts before a procedure is even performed. Scheduling, insurance verification, and precertification are all crucial to making sure your ambulatory surgery center (ASC) receives the proper reimbursement. Your surgery scheduler and insurance verification…

More Americans are turning to bariatric surgery as the answer to morbid obesity. In the past, they faced open gastric bypass surgery as the only surgical route to lose weight and improve their health. But endoscopic innovations, including laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), result in fewer…

Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leaders sent a message to Washington in recent weeks that they want the government to revisit the formula it is considering as part of its plan to change the ASC reimbursement system. The new system is scheduled to take effect in 2008. Under the proposal issued…

Time is valuable in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Patients need to be moved through the facility as quickly-and safely-as possible. How can you balance time with safety to achieve success in your ASC? Simply be sure your policies and procedures reflect evidence-based practice guidelines for addressing common factors that contribute…

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) employ a variety of bonus and profit-sharing strategies to retain and reward staff. Many centers award bonuses based on a percentage of net profits. Some ASCs require the center to hit financial targets for a profit-sharing payout. Others give bonuses if employees meet a percentage of…