06/30/2008

OAASC Member Meets with Congressional Representative to Discuss ASC Legislation

Congresswoman Pledges Support

Representatives from OAASC member Wildwood Surgery Center in Toledo recently hosted a meeting with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) to discuss the ASC Medicare Modernization legislation currently pending before Congress.

The specific legislation would improve the ASC payment system and the mechanism that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) uses to determine what procedures Medicare reimburses ASCs for providing. The legislation is a response to the recent Medicare payment system changes that were enacted in January.

Rep. Kaptur shared her concerns about the state of health care delivery system in the nation but acknowledged the importance of ASCs and the efficiencies they bring to the system. She agreed to co-sponsor the legislation, which is still in a legislative committee.

To date, Rep. Kaptur is the first Ohio congressional representative who is co-sponsoring the legislation. The OAASC is working to set up additional meetings with Ohio's congressmen and senators to demonstrate first-hand the important role of ASCs and then secure additional co-sponsors.  OAASC members interested in inviting and hosting a congressional meeting in their centers should contact Randy Leffler at randy.leffler@shcare.net.

For more information on this legislation click here .