News: CMS plans to scale back H&P regulations for ambulatory surgical centers

Clinicians working in ambulatory surgical centers may soon have more discretion over when to conduct comprehensive medical histories and physical assessments (H&P), if CMS’ proposed changes to the Medicare Conditions of Participation and Conditions for Coverage are implemented, MedPage Today reported.

CMS suggested dropping the requirement for clinicians to complete a comprehensive H&P for each patient within 30 days of a scheduled surgery in new draft regulations.

According to the CMS fact sheet, the agency is also proposing mandating that each ambulatory surgical center define and put to use its own policies for identifying patients who should receive H&Ps prior to surgery, MedPage Today reported.

CMS estimates the draft rule would result in $1.12 billion in annual savings and it continues CMS’ ongoing initiative to decrease the administrative burden placed on providers.

Editor’s note: To read MedPage Today’s coverage of this story, click here. To read the CMS fact sheet, click here. To read the full draft regulations, click here.