So called “site-neutral” payments jeopardize access to care for patients and communities, as well as undermine the health care safety net. These policies do not take into account one simple fact: hospitals and physician practices are not the same, not even close.
Under this ill-conceived “site-neutral” policy, Medicare payments for outpatient hospital care are cut in order to match payment rates for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and physician practices. Hospitals, unlike these other settings, provide 24/7 care, treat sicker patients, and have stricter compliance standards.
Notably, this policy:
• Neglects the unique role of hospitals in providing critical services – from emergency care to disaster response.
• Overlooks the higher complexity of patients treated in hospital outpatient departments.
• Ignores the regulatory and compliance burden on hospitals.
• Disregards cost differences placed on hospitals due to functional and structural variations.
• Undermines investment in community health care infrastructure.
Implementing so called “site-neutral” payment policies would be harmful for patients and the hospitals that serve them. Learn more below.
Site-Neutral = Medicare Cuts
BLOG: What’s in a Name? Because There is Nothing Neutral about Site-Neutral Policy
The right care, at the right time, in the right setting. It’s more than a catchy phrase. It is an axiom, as well as the top priority of the hospitals and health systems represented by FAH.…
FAH Leader Outlines Negative Impact ‘Site-Neutral’ Policies Will Have on Patient Care and Hospitals
FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn released a statement and a blog in response to the upcoming House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on health care costs where several bills addressing so-called ‘site-neutral’ payments are expected to be discussed…
FAH Addresses Legislative Proposals Discussed in Hearing on Health Care Costs
FAH submitted a statement for the record in advance of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on health care costs which addresses several of the legislative proposals that will be discussed…
