CMS Finalizes Policies that Phase Out Inpatient-Only Procedures and Expand ASC Options

On December 2, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized policy changes in the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) final rules which will phase out inpatient-only procedures over the next three years, allowing CMS for the first time to reimburse for those procedures on an outpatient basis. In the short term, this is expected to increase patient access to needed procedures that may otherwise be postponed because of hospitals’ limited capacity due to current COVID-19 surges. Effective January 1, 2021, certain procedures will be added to the ASC Covered Procedures List to allow treatment and reimbursement in an ASC rather than a hospital setting.

Douglas M. Alrutz

Doug Alrutz is a member of the Firm’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Service Team. He concentrates his practice in the areas of bankruptcy, commercial litigation, foreclosure and collection. Doug is also recognized as a Tennessee Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator.  Read More

Mary Elizabeth Anderson

Beth is a member of the Firm’s Trusts, Estates & Personal Planning Service Team.  She concentrates her practice in the area of estate planning, trust and estate administration, gift, estate and inheritance tax, and business planning. Read More