ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT
go to
http://www.ascassociation.org/ govtadvocacy/legislativepriorities/ electronichealthfairnessactof2015. Similarly, the provision to require CMS to explain the clinical reason for failing to include a requested procedure on Medicare’s ASC list has been included in larger packages and could be included in a legislative package by the end of this year. In addition, we often include provi-
sions to pressure CMS to correct poli- cies within its current administrative authority. A couple of years ago, this strategy bore fruit when CMS finally permitted ASC patients to receive their required paperwork on the day of sur- gery, rather than forcing them to travel to the ASC to receive paperwork on a different day than their procedure. Finally, it is imperative to understand
that the ASC bills serve as vehicles to educate policy makers on our unique role in the health care industry and the challenges we currently face with respect to reimbursement and regulatory complexity. Developing congressional champions for our industry helps us defeat harmful provisions, such as pay- ment cuts and the onerous cost reporting requirements that the Medicare Payment Advisory Commision (MedPAC) con- tinues to recommend.
Why should we care about what is happening in Washington, DC? MCMANUS: Decisions in Washing- ton can have a monumental impact on ASC businesses, and it is important that the industry engage with decision makers to explain the implications of the policies they are contemplating. Prior to the formation of ASCA, ASCs were subject to a multi-year payment freeze and a complete transformation of their payment system, which gave vast discretion to CMS. Those poli- cies came about because the industry was neither unified nor engaged with Washington—there were no champi- ons to push back on those proposals. ASCA understands that can never hap- pen again, but it takes grassroots ASC engagement with members of Con-
Pennsylvania), our more than 5,000 ASCs are spread across the coun- try in almost every state and the vast majority of congressional districts. We need to do a better job of devel- oping relationships between our ASC administrators and physician part- ners and their members of Congress. Each member should understand who we are, what we do and how we pro- vide important and economical care to their constituents.
What can ASCs do now to raise their profile and influence Congress? MCMANUS: The
most
gress in their home districts and stra- tegic political support to help get our message out. That means that indi- vidual ASCs must actively support ASCA’s leadership and engage with their members of Congress directly.
How can ASCA possibly be heard over big groups like hospitals, physicians and drug manufacturers? MCMANUS: This industry’s strength is our fundamental message that ASCs provide high-quality care in a conve- nient setting for the patient while sav- ing Medicare billions of dollars every year. Congress should care about that. Why should Medicare pay almost dou- ble the amount for cataract surgeries and colonoscopies provided in hospi- tals as it pays for the identical services provided in ASCs? Congress should be focused on how it can encourage the 50 percent of colonoscopies currently performed in hospitals to be provided in the more efficient ASC setting. Secondly, we partner with like-
minded groups when our interests align. This includes physician specialty societies and even the American Hospi- tal Association itself, on occasion. Finally, we have an advantage that
powerful groups like drug manufac- turers lack ubiquitous presence across the country. While drug companies are concentrated in a few states (New Jersey, Massachusetts, California and
24 ASC FOCUS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 important
thing ASCs can do to raise their pro- file is get to know their own members of Congress. This means inviting your senators, representatives and their staff to your ASC and showing the care you are providing. During those visits, you can educate them on our legislative goals and regulatory challenges. Secondly, it is critical that ASC lead-
ers engage meaningfully in the politi- cal process through organizations like ASCAPAC. ASCAPAC is solely funded by voluntary contributions from ASCA members. These funds protect and elect key members of Congress who under- stand and support the role ASCs play in health care. There is an old saying in Washington: “If you are not at the table, you are on the table.”
Often times, our political efforts are manifested in support for the leg- islation we are advocating. The more members of Congress we have on a bill, particularly from committees with jurisdiction over our issues, the greater chance we have to convince the com- mittees and leadership to advance that bill. Grassroots support through letters, emails and visits is critical in building that support.
Has Congress impacted any health care industries more than others? MCMANUS: Since the creation of ASCA, the ASC industry has largely escaped the cuts Congress has foisted on other sectors. All providers are subject to payment reductions tied
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