The Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society (OOSS) recently held its annual Perspective educational luncheon program in Boston during the ASCRS conference. Physicians, administrators, clinical directors, and industry partners gathered to discuss the current state of ophthalmic ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), Washington advocacy issues, and how to introduce, integrate, and implement innovations in the surgery center.
For over 42 years, our mission has been to represent the interests of ophthalmic ASCs so they can continue to provide high quality, affordable patient care in effective and efficient surgery centers. The Society is growing with the support of independent ASCs, national management companies, and private equity–backed ASC ownership groups. With this support, OOSS remains focused on the interests of ophthalmic ASCs and the patients we serve.
New Leadership for 2024
The OOSS board of directors recently elected a new executive committee; these physician leaders are dedicated to the success of ASCs, their owners, and patients we serve. William Wiley, MD, will serve as president for 2024-25, with vice president Mark Kontos, MD; secretary Kris Pugh, MD; and treasurer Karl Olsen, MD. Immediate past president David George, MD, becomes chair of the Government Relations committee, while Cathleen McCabe, MD, chairs Association Relations and Sustainability. Nathan Radcliffe, MD, will serve as chair of Education, a new committee, while Michael Patterson, DO, and Keith Liang, MD, serve as chairs of Industry Relations and Strategic Member Relations, respectively.
OOSS also welcomed two new ASC leaders to the board of directors: Carrie Jacobs, COE, CPSS, OCS, the executive vice president of operations at Chu Vision Institute in Minneapolis; and Ben Seals, the chief executive officer of Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta. They will bring fresh new perspectives and tremendous operational and business experience to the Board.
Three long-term directors are transitioning to emeritus status. Jeffrey Whitman, MD, is a past president of OOSS and leader of many strategic initiatives. Robert B. Nelson, PA-C, has been an OOSS director since 2002. John Blanck, CPA, joined the OOSS Board in 2011. These individuals have been actively involved in the leadership of OOSS for many years and are committed to continued involvement in our mission.
OOSS Advocacy in the Capital
Thanks to our efforts in Washington, D.C., over the past few years, 2024 is poised to be a very successful year for ASCs. Some of the positive developments heading into this year, discussed at the Perspective 2024 luncheon, include:
- For the 25th consecutive year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) granted ASCs a positive payment update;
- Payment for certain ophthalmic surgical procedures commonly performed in ASCs increased substantially;
- ASCs continue to receive the same reimbursement increases as hospital outpatient departments;
- Payment for drugs administered during ophthalmic surgery have expanded; and
- MIGS reimbursement has improved.
- Videos of the presentations at the 2024 Perspective luncheon, including panel discussions on “Bringing Innovation to Market” and “Innovations in Glaucoma,” and a presentation on “Medicare Reimbursement for MIGS,” are available on the society’s website at https://ooss.org/ondemand/meetings/.
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OOSS is the only professional association solely dedicated to ophthalmic-driven ASCs in the United States. An investment in OOSS is an investment in your ASC. Join now or contact us to learn more about OOSS programs and benefits at https://ooss.org. OASC
