New Research Sheds Light on Opioid Problems After Surgery

Investigators are studying the problems of surgery centers and physicians prescribing opioid medication with too little information about patients’ history with opioids and without adequate patient education on using and disposing of leftover drugs.

Investigation Reveals Stark Difference in Opioid Use Among Spine Patients

The authors of a recent study found that spine surgery patients who were on opioids prior to their surgery were most likely to use opioids for a year or longer after surgery.

CMS Proposes ASC Reimbursement Change

In late July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to change its Medicare ASC payment system for 2019 to the hospital market basket update instead of the CPI-U.

Improving Payer Contracts: How to Navigate the Obstacle Course

Out-of-network health plans are not what they used to be for surgery centers. Payers have been fighting back against centers charging them more and patients less. Sometimes, this fight has gone to court, and payers have won millions of dollars from ASCs.

California Wildfires Teach ASC Leader Tough Lessons

While ASCs maintain disaster preparedness plans, they might not have developed a post-disaster process and plan. One ASC leader offers some advice on what to expect and how to prepare.