Which year marks when Medicare began paying for ASC surgical procedures?

Which year marks when Medicare began paying for ASC surgical procedures?

• A. 1982
• B. 1980
• C. 1984
• D. 1986

Answer: (A)

Medicare began paying for ambulatory surgical center procedures in 1982, when the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) established the ASC Payment Program under Medicare Part B. This created a dedicated facility payment for eligible outpatient surgeries performed in ASCs and marked the start of Medicare reimbursement for ASC services. The move aimed to reduce costs by shifting suitable procedures from hospital outpatient departments to ASCs. The other years do not reflect the initial authorization of ASC payments; they relate to later changes or expansions.

Medicare began paying for ambulatory surgical center procedures in 1982, when the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) established the ASC Payment Program under Medicare Part B. This created a dedicated facility payment for eligible outpatient surgeries performed in ASCs and marked the start of Medicare reimbursement for ASC services. The move aimed to reduce costs by shifting suitable procedures from hospital outpatient departments to ASCs. The other years do not reflect the initial authorization of ASC payments; they relate to later changes or expansions.