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The changing ambulatory surgery center marketplace
A major transformation is underway in the migration of outpatient services and the ownership of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Outpatient care has become a large part of the United States health care system. Patient services and procedures are being increasingly…
Site neutral payments: Are there winners and losers?
The mantra ‘location, location, location’ in property purchases was supposedly emphasized by Lord Harold Samuel, a British real estate tycoon. Location is also important when Medicare pays for some health care services. Depending on whether services are provided in Hospital…
Phaedro’s dog and Dr. Oz: Reclaiming physician leadership in health care
The novel I, Claudius, is a historical fiction written by Robert Graves in 1934. Daily life amidst Rome’s political decay during the despotic regimes of Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula is richly described. Claudius’ grandmother was the sinister Livia who manipulated…
A story foretold: The AMA, Ed Annis, Medicare and the loss of physician autonomy
In 1979, after three years of group practice, I opened an office as a solo vascular surgeon. With a wife, three children and a mortgage to support, the move was gutsy. To survive, no referral was too small, no operation…
Vascular surgeons descend on DC: Maiden SVS leadership conference takes advocacy efforts to legislative doorstep
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) held its inaugural Advocacy and Leadership Conference Sept. 14–16, drawing vascular surgeons, trainees and healthcare advocates from across the country to the nation’s capital for three days of policy education, leadership training and direct…
Shifting demographics, improved visibility and strides made on Medicare reimbursements
This is the latest monthly update on a few of the critical issues facing the SVS. Changing SVS leadership demographics Over the last several years, the SVS Leadership and Appointments Committee made a determined effort to be more inclusive of…
After the recess: Taking a look ahead to a busy September on Capitol Hill
Congress entered summer recess after passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 4. This law has various healthcare provisions that will affect Medicare and Medicaid, provider taxes…
Early bird pricing deadline for coding workshop falls tomorrow
The early bird pricing deadline for this year’s SVS Coding & Reimbursement Workshop is tomorrow. With significant coding changes going into effect for vascular surgery on Jan. 1, 2026, the Society is urging vascular surgeons, trainees, advanced practice providers (APPs),…
Impact report finds no major change in balance between CAS and CEA following Medicare expansion
An evaluation of trends in the utilization of carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has found there to be “no major change” to tip the balance following the 2023 US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expansion…
Speaking in code: How a decline in Medicare reimbursement affects vascular care
Concerns were raised yesterday’s Plenary Session 2 over the recent decline in Medicare reimbursement at a national level. Querying current figures, speakers revealed discrepancies which highlight the importance of accurate reporting to ensure sustainable provision for the future of vascular…