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Pennsylvania ASCs can resume laparoscopic surgery

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, March 16, 2005

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Pennsylvania can resume performing laparoscopic procedures, after a ban dating back to last fall was lifted.

The state Department of Health told ASCs they can apply for permission and expect quick approval to perform these Medicare-approved procedures.

Laparoscopic surgery is sometimes called "keyhole" surgery as it involves slender, tube-like devices inserted through small incisions in the body. It is commonly used for diagnostic procedures and for more complicated surgeries, such as gallbladder removal.

The ban on the performance of laparoscopic procedures was put in place by the department after it learned that some ASCs were performing laparoscopic gallbladder procedures, a violation of state regulations that forbid "major invasion of a body cavity" in ASCs, according to The Patriot-News.

ASCs still interested in performing laparoscopic procedures not on the Medicare list, including gallbladder procedures, must apply for special permission to do so.

"We're trying to make sure there are enough safety factors in place. If it can be demonstrated, we'll approve it," says department spokesman Richard McGarvey, according to the Patriot-News.

For more information on the ban, read the notice by the Pennsylvania Department of Health by clicking here (Adobe Acrobat required).

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