CMS is reviewing its decision to cover spine procedures in the ambulatory surgery center setting, USA Today reports.
Here are three four things to know:
1. The proposal aims to review 38 procedures added since 2015, of which 25 involve spine surgery. The agency is basing its decision on outcomes data, prevailing medical practice and public comments.
2. CMS will plans to continually review approved procedures given the higher level of comorbidities among Medicare patients compared to the general population.
3. CMS is accepting comments on the proposed changes through Sept. 24 and is expected to release a final decision in late 2018.
4. Bill Prentice, the CEO of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, supports CMS ramping up its efforts to perform an internal and external review of the procedures it pays for at ASCs.