ASCs (questions n answers) with latest
update already passed
history and advent of ASCs - correct answer ✔✔The first ASC was opened in 1970 by a group of
anesthesiologists in Phoenix, AZ.
The anesthesiologists were frustrated because of
• scheduling delays
• limited operating room availability
• interruptions caused by emergency cases
• policies and procedures of the hospitals.
slow "turnover"
• department budgets
Advantages of an ASC compared to a hospital - correct answer ✔✔Less expensive
lower nosocomial infection rate
Increased productivity
Greater convenience
concept of minimally invasive surgery - correct answer ✔✔Surgeon makes small incisions and
inserts tubes called trocars. Carbon dioxide gas can be used to inflate the area which allows for
space to perform the procedure. A camera is inserted into an opening and the video is viewed
on a monitor close by. Special instruments placed into the other openings to perform the
procedure.
Types of scope based procedures - correct answer ✔✔• Arthroscopy
, • Laparoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Phacoemulsification
What are ASCs - correct answer ✔✔Ambulatory = Outpatient
ASCs are not rural health clinics, urgent care providers, or ambulatory care centers.
ASCs see:
• Non-emergent cases
• Almost every specialty except cardio and neurology
Stark Law - correct answer ✔✔Stark Law (self-referral law) - prohibits a referral of a
Medicare/Medicaid patient to an entity a physician or a physician's family member has a
financial interest in for any of 12 designated health services. ASC is NOT considered one of the
12 designated health services
Federal Anti-Kickback Law - correct answer ✔✔prohibit the offering, receiving, paying, soliciting
any remuneration in exchange for the referral of Medicare/Medicaid patients
Exceptions to Anti-Kickback Law called "safe harbors" ASC "safe harbor" criteria (must meet all
3): - correct answer ✔✔1. Be in a position to refer patients directly to ASC and perform surgery
on such referred patients
2. Derive 1/3 of medical practice income from procedures performed at an ASC
3. Perform at least 1/3 of the procedures that may be performed in an ASC setting at the
investment entity ASC
AAAHC - correct answer ✔✔Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
update already passed
history and advent of ASCs - correct answer ✔✔The first ASC was opened in 1970 by a group of
anesthesiologists in Phoenix, AZ.
The anesthesiologists were frustrated because of
• scheduling delays
• limited operating room availability
• interruptions caused by emergency cases
• policies and procedures of the hospitals.
slow "turnover"
• department budgets
Advantages of an ASC compared to a hospital - correct answer ✔✔Less expensive
lower nosocomial infection rate
Increased productivity
Greater convenience
concept of minimally invasive surgery - correct answer ✔✔Surgeon makes small incisions and
inserts tubes called trocars. Carbon dioxide gas can be used to inflate the area which allows for
space to perform the procedure. A camera is inserted into an opening and the video is viewed
on a monitor close by. Special instruments placed into the other openings to perform the
procedure.
Types of scope based procedures - correct answer ✔✔• Arthroscopy
, • Laparoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Phacoemulsification
What are ASCs - correct answer ✔✔Ambulatory = Outpatient
ASCs are not rural health clinics, urgent care providers, or ambulatory care centers.
ASCs see:
• Non-emergent cases
• Almost every specialty except cardio and neurology
Stark Law - correct answer ✔✔Stark Law (self-referral law) - prohibits a referral of a
Medicare/Medicaid patient to an entity a physician or a physician's family member has a
financial interest in for any of 12 designated health services. ASC is NOT considered one of the
12 designated health services
Federal Anti-Kickback Law - correct answer ✔✔prohibit the offering, receiving, paying, soliciting
any remuneration in exchange for the referral of Medicare/Medicaid patients
Exceptions to Anti-Kickback Law called "safe harbors" ASC "safe harbor" criteria (must meet all
3): - correct answer ✔✔1. Be in a position to refer patients directly to ASC and perform surgery
on such referred patients
2. Derive 1/3 of medical practice income from procedures performed at an ASC
3. Perform at least 1/3 of the procedures that may be performed in an ASC setting at the
investment entity ASC
AAAHC - correct answer ✔✔Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
