ASC update unchanged, but spending projected to rise

Why This Topic Matters

ASCs and their billing teams need to know which surgical procedures are newly payable, how the 2009 payment update is structured, and what regulatory changes affect facility eligibility and payment planning. The article helps readers understand the scope of the 2009 ASC fee schedule and the CMS policy environment behind it.

Article Sections

1. CMS payment outlook and final rule

   Summarizes CMS’s projected Medicare spending for ambulatory surgery centers and introduces the final outpatient and ASC payment rule for 2009. It also notes the broader payment update context for hospital outpatient and ASC services.

2. ASC definition and payment methodology changes

   Describes the revised ASC definition and the change in how payments are calculated under the updated ASC payment system. The section outlines the general structure of the new methodology without detailing service-specific decisions.

3. New codes created for 2009

   Lists newly created procedure identifiers added for ASC payment consideration in 2009. The section presents the code additions and associated fee schedule context.

4. ASC covered surgical procedures added for 2009

   Lists additional covered surgical procedures that were added to the ASC payment list for 2009. The section presents the expanded service set and fee schedule context.