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ASCs in the news: ASC Association responds to proposed Medicare ASC payment cuts

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, April 28, 2008

The ASC Association, which represents more than 2,400 ASCs nationwide, responded to President Bush’s FY 2009 budget proposal in a March news release.

“The proposed Medicare payment cuts to ASCs are totally unacceptable and should be rejected by Congress,” said ASC Association president Kathy Bryant, JD, in the news release.

According to the news release, the current freeze would continue through 2011 under the new budget proposal. The plan reduces future increases by 0.65%, resulting in substantial savings of $450 million for the federal government. The proposed cuts for all providers amount to $12.8 billion in 2009 and a five-year savings of $182.7 billion.

Although the proposed payment cuts have an impact on multiple types of healthcare, ASCs are affected more than other providers, Bryant explained in the news release. “ASC payments have been frozen for six years while other provider payments have increased. During this period, nursing and medical supply costs have been escalating steadily,” she said. “It is unthinkable that ASCs would be subjected to even more Medicare cuts at this time.”

To read the news release, click here.

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