Ambulatory practices and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have specific revenue cycles that require unique attention and consideration. ASCs are booming outpatient facilities that provide same-day surgical care as an alternative to a hospital stay. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission reported that in 2013, “5,364 ASCs treated 3.4 million fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries, and Medicare program and beneficiary spending on ASC services was $3.7 billion.

A new survey conducted by the American Association for Physician Leadership and the Navigant Center for Healthcare Research and Policy Analysis, found that more than 69% of physician leaders agree that doctors should be held accountable for costs as well as quality of care. The comprehensive survey included 2,938 physicians and examined their attitudes toward healthcare reform, payment models, physician leadership competencies and the move from fee-for-service to value-based care delivery.