As we wrap-up yet another dynamic and eventful year in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry, we look to the future — and the beginning of this new year — with a now unified voice, modified legal and reimbursement considerations and another action-packed year on the horizon.

This month marks the commencement of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASC Association) — the cumulative result of the American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (AAASC) and FASA merging together to strengthen the industry’s roar on Capitol Hill. This month also marks the beginning of a four-year phase-in of the revised payment system for Medicare beneficiaries treated in America’s ASCs.

In this year’s Legislative Update, we highlight (below) a few of the “champions” who embrace this very important and beneficial model of healthcare. Over the next several pages, this issue provides the latest news and the greatest tips for moving forward and navigating the changes resonating throughout the industry — all from the experts who are living and breathing these changes from their respective niches.

In addition, TSC wishes to note that this Legislative Update stands as a tribute to those who have advocated so heavily over the past several years to position this industry for the growth and success it is experiencing today. Though not all battles have been won, Capitol Hill recognizes this industry as a force in the fight for improved healthcare for all Americans.

Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) was elected to the United States Senate in 1998. Prior to this, the Harvard Law School graduate served three terms as the 2nd District Representative for Idaho in the U.S. House of Representatives, and served in the Idaho State Senate from 1984 to 1992. Sen. Crapo was named a member of the Senate Budget Committee in 2003, and he currently serves as a member of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, is a member of the Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment, and is a member of the Senate Finance Committee — serving on three finance subcommittees.

Sen. Mike Crapo can be reached at http://crapo.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm. 

“Ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) play an important role in the nation’s healthcare delivery system by providing surgical services that do not require an overnight stay. The most prevalent surgical procedures performed in ASCs include cataract removal, upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, colonoscopies and epidural injections for back and bone pain. ASCs have experienced large growth in recent years, partially because they offer patients convenient locations, low out-of-pocket costs, the ability to schedule surgery quickly and with short wait times.” — Mike Crapo

Senator Michael G. Waddoups (R-Utah) serves as Majority Leader in the Utah State Senate. Sen. Waddoups has been active on numerous committees, including the Senate Business and Labor Committee; Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee; Senate Rules Committee; Executive Appropriations Committee; Executive Offices and Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee; Transportation, Environmental Quality and National Guard Appropriations Subcommittee.

Sen. Michael G. Waddoups can be reached at mwaddoups@utahsenate.org. 

“I have taken the time to examine the Utah and national healthcare environment for the past two years. What is apparent is that insurance premiums continue to rise, access to affordable care is restricted and big corporate health is putting profits before people. Ambulatory surgery centers by any benchmark provide superb care at reasonable prices. It just amazes me that protectionist measures are being used against ASCs. The ultimate victim are working families and employers.” — Michael G. Waddoups

Anne L. McGihon
(D-Colo.)

State Representative Anne L. McGihon (D-Colo.) is serving her third term in the Colorado General Assembly from House District 3, representing Denver and Arapahoe Counties. Rep. McGihon has chaired the House Committee on Health and Human Services since March 2006, and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Last session, she chaired the Joint Committee on Legal Services and was a member of the House Judiciary Committee. In January 2005, she was appointed as Colorado Commissioner to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, where she was appointed to the Study Committee on an Omnibus Business Organization Code Act.

Rep. McGihon can be reached at anne.mcgihon.house@state.co.us. 

“Healthcare is one of the biggest issues facing Americans today, and ambulatory surgery centers are playing a key role in addressing rising costs. They provide patients with a lower cost, and oftentimes, a safer alternative to traditional surgeries. They will play a key role in addressing America’s healthcare needs in the 21st century.” — Anne L. McGihon

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