News and Opportunities

06/24/2024

Governor and Legislature Announce Budget Agreement Over the Weekend

Healthcare Minimum Wage Delayed Until October

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers made a budget agreement this past Saturday.  The deal includes $16 billion in cuts, declares a statewide fiscal emergency, and pulls money from the state’s rainy-day reserves to balance a $46.8-billion budget deficit.

06/20/2024

CASA Launches Operations Survey

Make sure your center participates

Navigating the day-to-day operations in a surgery center can be difficult.  CASA is launching an Operations Survey to assist our members benchmark their policies and components of daily operations.

06/12/2024

CASA Board Advocates for ASCs in Sacramento

On June 3rd  and 4th, 2024, the CASA Board met with legislators in Sacramento to discuss the importance of the ambulatory surgery industry. The Board was able to meet with Senator Angelique Ashby and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry to highlight issues important to ASCs and educate them on the role ASCs have to the health care system to help drive health care costs down while maintaining high-quality care.

06/05/2024

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. ASC leaders can take steps to promote an inclusive workplace, including having clear policies to protect LGBTQ+ workers, creating employee resource groups, and fostering a culture of acceptance rather than discrimination. At the same time, ASCs should take purposeful steps to treat patients with sensitivity to ensure their healthcare experience is inclusive and respectful. 

06/05/2024

Governor Newsom Extends Minimum Wage Implementation by One Month

On May 31, 2024, Governor Newsom signed an extension of SB 525 implementation from June 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024.  This is the legislation mandating the following schedule for increasing the minimum wage in health care settings.

05/17/2024

Honoring Memorial Day

Veteran Spotlight -  Chris Wilson, MD, LTC(Ret), US Army

This Memorial Day, let us honor veterans and active duty military by sharing resources focused on leadership development, which can be beneficial for veterans transitioning to roles in Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

05/02/2024

CASA Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At CASA, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives.

04/30/2024

CASA Benchmarking and CMS Quality Measures Deadlines Approaching

The CASA Benchmarking will close for data entry on May 15, 2024.  This is the same deadline date for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Reporting measures.

04/25/2024

Check Out CASA's Upcoming Webinars!

Have you trained your ASC staff to address an active shooter situation? Are you wondering how to incorporate AI into your ASC functions? Make sure you investigate these upcoming CASA webinars.

04/23/2024

CASA Members in Action

On Friday, April 19, 2024, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) toured the Surgery Center of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Assemblymember Bonta chairs the Assembly Health Committee, so this was a terrific opportunity to educate her and her team on the impact ASCs provide for her district and the state at large.  

04/05/2024

CASA PAC - Urgent Call for Member Participation!

We recently reported CASA’s commitment to a more robust advocacy program. We need your help! The CASA Political Action Committee (PAC) just reviewed its current status, and we are launching a campaign to double the size of our PAC through voluntary financial contributions over the next six months.

04/04/2024

CASA Advocacy Update – Protecting and Promoting the ASC Industry

Healthcare in California is changing – with new policies, political pressures, legislative mandates, and regulatory structures. CASA is adapting to those changes with a more robust advocacy program in Sacramento. CASA has expanded our team and presence, with two new lobbyists working in the State Capitol to educate lawmakers, engage with regulatory agencies, and represent the interests of California ASCs. Our approach will create more connections throughout the Legislature and maximize opportunities to protect and advance the industry amid the changing healthcare landscape.

04/03/2024

DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers)

OAS CAHPS - Get Ahead of the Curve Webinar tomorrow - Have you Registered?

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1.

03/19/2024

Change Healthcare Cyber Response

Resources for Providers, Pharmacies, Payers, Government Partners and Patients

As you are likely aware, Change Healthcare – an organization that works across the health system – has experienced a cybersecurity issue.  Below are some updates, links and resources available to support providers, pharmacies and patients in responding to questions and concerns.

03/14/2024

CASA 2024 Salary Survey and CASA OAS CAHPS Webinar

It is that time of year to submit your information for the annual CASA Salary Survey. Each year, the survey becomes more successful with increased participation and expanded results. 

03/08/2024

CASA Celebrates Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and it provides an opportunity to celebrate the vital role of women in American history. Some of those women made significant contributions to the advancement of medicine, including Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the first female surgeon in the United States, and Dr. Joycelyn Elders who was appointed as the first African American surgeon general in 1993.

03/05/2024

CASA Members in Action

CASA Members Take Part in ASCA’s National Advocacy Day

On February 27th and 28th, 2024, a delegation of 16 representatives from the California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) participated in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s (ASCA) fly-in event.  Their mission was to engage with members of Congress and their staff, advocate for the interests of the ASC community and garner support for the Outpatient Surgery Quality and Access Act of 2023. 

02/23/2024

CASA Members in Action

CASA Award for ASC Excellence - Begin working on your Application

On February 16, 2024, Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) toured the Folsom Sierra Endoscopy Center.  Assemblymember Hoover reached out to tour the center after hearing Folsom Sierra Endoscopy Center received the CASA Award for ASC Excellence in September 2023.

02/15/2024

CASA Values Our Veterans

Veteran Spotlight - Chris Taylor

Our country celebrates President’s Day this Monday, February 19th – it has become an occasion to celebrate the birthdays of both President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln.  As with Memorial Day and Veterans Day, this holiday offers another opportunity for the United States to honor its veterans, the many men and women who have served and sacrificed for our safety, our freedom, and our values.

02/13/2024

DWC Posts Fee Schedule Adjustments for Hospital Outpatient Departments / Ambulatory Surgical Centers

CASA Calculator Updated

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted adjustments to the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. The changes take effect on February 15, 2024.

02/12/2024

Important February Deadlines Approaching

CMS ASC-20 and CASA Benchmarking due by February 15, 2024

ASC-20: COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel data is submitted quarterly via a web-based tool, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The deadline for reporting (2023 third-quarter data) is February 15, 2024. 

02/05/2024

CASA Celebrates Black History Month

Member Spotlight - Shawna Gill

Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage of African Americans and how the Black community has shaped U.S. history. February marks the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who were leaders in the fight to end slavery. Today, we can take time during Black History Month to acknowledge and reflect upon the current and past achievements of the Black community and their lasting impacts

02/01/2024

Did You Miss CASA's Free Webinar?

Navigating the New Norm - Adapting to Changes in Medical Minimum Wage, Salary Requirements & Sick Leave in CA

If you missed CASA's webinar addressing California's new requirements for minimum wage and sick leave? The recording is now available for all CASA members.

01/24/2024

CASA Board Advocates for ASCs in Sacramento

On January 16, 2024, CASA Board members held several meetings with key California legislators discussing ASCs and their impact on healthcare and for their constituents and California at large.  The Board met with 23 member offices from both the Assembly and Senate, many who hold key committee appointments with ASC oversight.

01/08/2024

Noridian and Other MACs Showing Incorrect Medicare Rates

Several Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), including Noridian are displaying incorrect rates for some Medicare procedures.

01/02/2024

Important Dates for CASA Members in 2024

Below are some important opportunities, including a timeline that CA ASCs should be incorporating into their yearly plan.  We encourage you to add these dates and deadlines to your calendar.

12/18/2023

House Passes Price Transparency Bill

On December 11, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) passed the US House of Representatives by a vote of 320–71. The language pertaining to ASCs under Sec. 104 of H.R. 5378 is identical to the price transparency legislation that the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) lobbied against in July. If passed, implementation would begin in January 2026.

11/06/2023

CMS Releases 2024 Final Payment Rule for ASCs and Hospital Outpatient Departments

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2024 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) on November 2, 2023. The rule contained several positive aspects for ASCs including the addition of total shoulder arthroplasty to the ASC Covered Procedures List (ASC-CPL). 

11/06/2023

Opportunities to Honor Veterans in Your ASC

Veteran Spotlight - Kim Russell

Veteran’s Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have served in the U.S. military and recognize their unique experience that comes with that. CASA Executive Director Beth LaBouyer, along with CASA Board Member Stephanie McIntosh, and Scripps Encinitas Surgery Center Administrator Alisa Inahara, participated in a recent career fair for veterans at Camp Pendleton on October 5th. 

10/16/2023

CASA Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Member Spotlight - Marie Nader

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities. It also raises awareness regarding employment-related issues unique to people with disabilities. It has been estimated that only about 35% of people with disabilities are employed, compared to 76% of people without disabilities in the United States. More can be done to open the door of opportunity to disabled workers.

10/09/2023

CalOSHA and Common ASC Questions

Register today for this free webinar

As ASCs are busy providing excellent care for their patients, it’s critical that they also offer a safe and healthy environment for their employees and medical staff.   This webinar will take place on October 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Zohra Ali, MS, CIH Area Manager, Cal/OSHA Consultation Unit will walk us through the common questions from the ASC community regarding standards and regulations as they pertain to CalOSHA and their oversight.

10/03/2023

DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers)

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) to conform to changes in the Medicare payment system as required by Labor Code section 5307.1. CASA has updated its WC calculator to reflect these changes.

09/28/2023

CASA Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th, while many other communities are honored during a dedicated month (i.e. Black history Month in February, or Pride Month in June). The reason for this designated dual-month timeframe is that it aligns with various Latin American Independence Day celebrations. CASA Member, Lydia Maldonado shares her insights.

09/25/2023

Important Education Offerings for CASA Members

Check out the upcoming education from CASA, including the free webinar from CalOSHA.

09/19/2023

CASA Awards 11 ASCs with the CASA Award for ASC Excellence

90210 Surgery Medical Center Wins ASC of the Year

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, CASA revealed the recipients for the 2023 CASA Award for ASC Excellence and the CASA ASC of the Year.  The awards were established to acknowledge that California ASCs are drivers of excellent healthcare, providing opportunities and solutions for healthcare reform.  In 2016, the CASA Board established the CASA Award for ASC Excellence as a mechanism to honor ASCs who strive to “rise to the top.” The program is built around 5 pillar categories acknowledging a CASA member facility who exemplifies best practices in the surgery center industry, plus actively promotes and advocates for ASC excellence and inclusion in the healthcare delivery system.

09/18/2023

CASA Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

CASA Member Spotlight - Alexis Yeverino

07/26/2023

CASA Members in Action

CASA members have been busy this summer advocating for ASCs by opening up their facilities for legislative tours.   Healthcare continues to be a priority in the California Legislature.  These tours are opportunities to show first-hand how California ASCs provide significant cost savings, innovation, and quality outcomes in our communities.

07/14/2023

CMS Releases 2024 Proposed Medicare Payment Rule

DWC Posts Adjustments to Official Medical Fee Schedule (Hospital Outpatient Departments/Ambulatory Surgical Centers)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 proposed payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) on Thursday, July 14, 2023.

07/12/2023

CASA Benchmarking Open for 2nd Quarter 2023

Is your facility taking advantage of CASA’s free benchmarking?  Comparing your ASC outcomes to other like ASCs is important and looked at by accreditation bodies.  Benchmarking is also a critical opportunity to utilize quality and performance metrics to improve your clinical outcomes as well as operational efficiencies.

07/07/2023

Under the Dome – Another Day Another Assembly Speaker

By CASA Lobbyist Bryce Docherty

On Friday, June 30th Assembly Member Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) became the 67th Speaker of the California State Assembly. Speaker Rivas, the grandson of farmworkers who marched with Cesar Chavez for farmworker rights, also becomes the first Assembly Speaker in modern history to represent a non-urban area of California.