CMS Releases Final Accountable Care Organization Rule
ASCP Pleased HHS Ditches Proposed EHR Requirement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the final regulations implementing the Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Shared Savings programs. Numerous changes to the regulations appear to make them more feasible and attractive to the development of ACOs. In particular, ASCP hopes/expects that the elimination of a proposed requirement to use electronic health records (EHRs) as a requirement of participation may provide some relief for pathology groups and smaller clinical laboratories hoping to participate in the program. Read more

As Congress deliberates on just how to cut the nation’s deficit, everything is a prime target, including Graduate Medical Education. ASCP is collaborating with the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) to urge Congress to reconsider a deficit reduction proposal (being considered by the Congressional Super Committee) that would cut GME funding as much as 60 percent, a cut in funding of approximately $60 billion. Read more

ASCP Urges Congressional Deficit Super Committee
Find Permanent Medicare Payment Fix

ASCP is calling on Congress to find a permanent fix to the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR), which could impose a 30-percent cut in physician reimbursement in 2012. Currently, the Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction is working to identify $1.5 trillion in budget cuts over the next 10 years. The Committee has until Nov. 23 to vote on its $1.5 trillion deficit reduction package. Read more

ASCP Urges Congressional Deficit Super Committee
Find Permanent Medicare Payment Fix

ASCP is calling on Congress to find a permanent fix to the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR), which could impose a 30-percent cut in physician reimbursement in 2012. Currently, the Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction is working to identify $1.5 trillion in budget cuts over the next 10 years. The Committee has until Nov. 23 to vote on its $1.5 trillion deficit reduction package. Read more