In this audio update, ASCA Associate Director of Public & Regulatory Affairs Alex Taira summarizes key elements of the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule. While the MPFS does not directly affect ASC reimbursements, its implications are of significant concern to ASCs, their physician practitioners and the patients they serve. In his analysis of the rule, Alex discusses the update to the conversion factor for physician reimbursements and highlights other regulatory matters that impact physician billing and patient care.

In this audio update, ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice explains the impasse that led to the federal government shutdown, its impact on Medicare reimbursements and administration, and the health policy issues still in contention. At the time of this release, the federal government has been shut down for the past 10 days. Since no one can predict when or how the government closure will be resolved, ASCA members are encouraged to tune in to this and future ASCA communications to stay fully informed and up to date with the unfolding events.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Associate Director of Membership & Business Development Mykal Cox joins host Charlie Leonard for a discussion about the benefits of ASCA membership. Mykal offers a sneak peek of Member Appreciation Week, which is August 25–29, including daily games, prizes and more. Mykal also discusses the benefits of early membership renewal, beginning in September, including renewal discounts and new member benefits being introduced in 2026. To learn more and for your chance to win a prize, be sure to make this update available to all surgery center staff.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Director of Government Affairs Stephen Abresch discusses new federal legislation that would substantially benefit ASCs and their Medicare patients. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary receives treatment in an ASC, they are responsible for 20 percent of their cost of care, with no limit on the amount of their copay. However, when a Medicare beneficiary receives identical care in a hospital outpatient department, their copay is capped at the hospital inpatient deductible amount, which is $1,676 for 2025. As a result, Medicare patients treated in an ASC face higher copays for approximately 183 procedures. Tune in and learn how this ASCA-backed legislation could remedy this inequity for both ASCs and Medicare beneficiaries.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Editor in Chief Sahely Mukerji talks about ASCA’s new 10 Under 40 Honors program. This program recognizes rising stars under the age of 40 who are making waves in their facilities and shaping the ASC community. Tune in to learn how you can nominate a colleague for this prestigious honor and have them featured in ASC Focus magazine in September 2025.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Director of Government Affairs Stephen Abresch discusses Indiana HB 1003, a state legislative proposal that could reduce reimbursements for certain surgical procedures to the physician office rates, even if the procedures are performed in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) or an ASC.

While this legislation would only affect facilities in Indiana, similar concepts are being discussed in other states like New York and Texas, as well as in Congress. Tune in to learn more about site-neutral payment proposals and how they could impact your facility.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Meetings Director Shawn Bryant discusses new ASCA member education benefits for 2025. Starting this year, ASCA membership includes ASCA’s entire suite of virtual education. ASCA members now have unlimited access to ASCA’s virtual courses and webinars at no additional cost. Shawn also reviews the registration process for upcoming education courses as well as several other benefits included in ASCA membership.

On this very special audio update, ASCA CEO Bill Prentice talks with ASCA Director of Communications Kay Tucker about her retirement at the end of December. Kay has had an almost 30-year affiliation with ASCA, beginning as a consultant, followed by 18 years as its director of communications. Bill and Kay revisit several of her most impactful accomplishments and the milestones that marked their 14 years working together. Over the course of her distinguished career, Kay worked with hundreds of ASCA members and volunteers, and this brief but poignant conversation captures the essence of her time at ASCA, which was characterized by her professionalism, her “can do” spirit, and the joyful presence that she brought to every task and meeting—no matter how big or small.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA Associate Director of Membership & Business Development Mykal Cox and ASCA Director of Meetings Shawn Bryant provide important information regarding ASCA membership for 2025 and details about the ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo in Denver, Colorado. Tune in to learn how ASCA members will benefit by renewing their membership for next year and what attendees can look forward to at the conference.

On this week’s audio update, ASCA CEO Bill Prentice provides a preliminary look at the challenges and opportunities for ASCs in the new Congress and administration. Considering the announcement of several administration nominees and the formation of key congressional committees and leadership, Bill explains how the combination of ASC allies and new faces could affect health policies relating to ASCs. With so much at stake, he also provides ample reasons why ASCA members need to actively participate in advocating for the ASC segment of healthcare.