ASC Realities Not Reflected
The proposed “cost-of-living” update doesn’t reflect the realities of operating an ASC. Our triennial survey indicates that virtually all our expenses—staffing, equipment, supplies, plant, etc—have increased over the past year. As such, reducing cataract facility fees makes no sense.
This cutback is based primarily on CMS’ use of 2 budget neutrality adjustments, the latter of which is the damaging secondary rescaler. Because of this rescaler, there is a significant impact on the disparity of payments made to hospitals and ASCs—we receive about 50% of what hospital outpatients receive, even though we treat the same patients and incur comparable expenses in providing care. At some point, these reductions will compromise our ability to perform the highest quality ophthalmic surgery on Medicare patients. It could result in the migration of services back to the more costly hospital outpatient department.
We Have a Plan
The OOSS leadership and staff want to assure you that we are taking every imaginable step to reverse this misguided action by CMS.
We are coordinating our efforts to reverse the CMS decision with other organizations, eg, the AAO, ASCRS, the Retina Society, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), and Society for Excellence in Eyecare.
OOSS will submit detailed formal comments to CMS outlining our many objections to the proposed reduction in facility payments to ASCs for cataract surgery.
OOSS at AAO
On a happier note, the 2025 AAO meeting will take place later this month in Orlando, Florida, and OOSS will again have a presence there. Our ASC education programs are designed for physicians, administrators, directors of nursing and staff; we hope you will consider attending.
Join OOSS for an energizing educational lunch that tackles the most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities for ASCs (see 2025 OOSS Symposium, above). Learn how to optimize operations, improve financial performance, embrace breakthrough innovation, and deliver patient care that’s truly magical—right in the heart of Orlando.
Program Highlights
Welcome & Strategic Vision – William Wiley, MD, OOSS President and Diane Blanck, Executive Director Unveiling OOSS’s 3-Year Strategic Priorities
Sponsor Spotlight – Alcon, Presenting Sponsor
Washington Update – Mike Romansky, JD What’s ahead in 2026: reimbursement, regulations, and ASC policy changes
Eye-novation Panels (35 min)
o Innovation in Retina in the ASC – Panel of Retina Specialists
o Advances in Cataract Surgery – Panel of Anterior Segment Physicians
ASC Optimization & Cost Containment – ASC Leaders & EyeProGPO
o Real-world solutions to control costs and boost efficiency
Regulatory Compliance – Kevin Corcoran and Mary Pat Johnson, Corcoran Consulting
o Protect your ASC from risk and stay ahead of compliance demand
Why You Should Attend
✔ Gain insider updates on 2026 ASC policy and reimbursement
✔ Hear from leading surgeons, ASC executives, and compliance experts
✔ Take home practical strategies to improve your ASC’s bottom line
✔ Network with peers and industry leaders over a premium lunch buffet
Reserve Your Spot
Admission is free. Seats are limited—secure yours now to ensure your place at the table. Register at: https://ooss.org/ondemand/meetings/symposium-2025/.
OOSS needs you now more than ever. Together, we can ensure ophthalmic ASCs have the resources they need for strong advocacy in Washington. Renew your membership for 2026—or join today. United, our voice is stronger. Let’s be heard.
Thank you for your support of OOSS. OASC
