The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Aug. 24 issued a proposed rule that will revise the requirements that ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) must meet to bill Medicare for services furnished to beneficiaries. The proposed rule would update the existing ASC conditions for coverage to reflect contemporary standards of practice in the ASC community, as well as recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General.
Among other changes, the proposed rule would:
* Require the ASC’s governing body to be responsible for the oversight and accountability of the updated quality assessment and performance improvement program
* Add requirements for radiologic services provided in an ASC to ensure they are parallel to the requirements for furnishing laboratory services
* Expand the infection control requirement to the condition level
Public comments will be accepted until Oct. 30, 2007, and a final rule will be issued later this year. Read the press release.
