Federal CMS releases hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers policy and payment changes

Thursday, August 29, 2013 02:44 PM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the 2014 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates proposed rule on July 8, 2013.

The proposed rule with comment period would update Medicare payment policies and rates for hospital outpatient department and ASC services, and update and streamline programs that encourage high-quality care in these outpatient settings consistent with policies included in the Affordable Care Act. Total 2014 OPPS payments are projected to increase by $4.37 billion or 9.5 percent, and 2014 Medicare payments to ASCs are projected to increase by approximately $133 million or 3.51 percent as compared to 2013.

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