News Alert: CMS to cover cardiac ablations performed in ambulatory surgical centers

Electrophysiologists can now perform cardiac ablation outside of a hospital setting. Groups such as the American College of Cardiology and Heart Rhythm Society have been pushing for this change for quite some time, pointing to the potential to cut costs and boost patient satisfaction.

CMS has proposed a policy shift that would allow cardiac ablation procedures to be performed in ambulatory surgical centers. Arash Aryana, MD, PhD, a veteran cardiac electrophysiologist, explained why he is "extremely encouraged" by this proposal, highlighting several potential benefits. 

The initiation of the ACC Ambulatory Surgical Center Registry comes at a time when hospitals are expanding their structural heart programs. The registry is providing valuable details about which patients should stay at the hospital and which can be treated in an outpatient setting.

Cardiovascular Business spoke with HRS President Kenneth Ellenbogen, MD, about two key initiatives the group is focused on this year.

To reduce the healthcare costs associated with straightforward, minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures, more and more ambulatory surgical centers and office based labs are opening all over the United States.

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, discussed the group's efforts to address the shift in interventional procedures from hospitals to less expensive ambulatory surgical centers.