News

After more than 15 years of dedicated service, Kent Jackson transferred the title of OOSS Executive Director to Diane R. Blanck this last weekend at OOSS Symposium 2019 in San Francisco.

Featuring our two new editors, Mark Kontos, MD, and Cathy McCabe, MD, the October issue of The Ophthalmic ASC focuses on how to handle and even take advantage of complex economic situations, ever expanding patient expectations, and rapid technology advancements.

On September 27, OOSS submitted comments on behalf of ASCRS, the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS), and the Society for Excellence in Eyecare (SEE) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding its proposed 2020 ASC payment regulation.

CMS is replacing the current requirement that every patient have a comprehensive medical history and physical examination within 30 days prior to surgery in an ASC with a requirement that allows the operating physician and ASC to determine which patients would require more extensive testing and assessment prior to surgery.

By invitation of AAAHC, OOSS encourages clinical experts (ophthalmologists, nurses, and administrators) that share a passion for quality improvement in the ophthalmic ASC setting to consider serving on one of several new governance units. Learn more.

The August 2019 issue of The Ophthalmic ASC begins with an ending. As Chief Medical Editor William J. Fishkind, MD, FASC, bids The OASC farewell, he passes the baton to Cathleen McCabe, MD, and Mark Kontos, MD, and reflects on the quote "Those who climb highest lift as they go."

On July 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its proposed CY 2020 payment rate regulation for hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

Sharing anecdotes and lessons learned from his year in space, Kelly paints a vivid picture of the risks of getting comfortable with the status quo or losing sight of a clear and challenging mission.

The latest issue of the OASC reinforces a principle that we as ophthalmic practice and surgery center professionals share with some of the greatest explorers...

With so much riding on the success of our surgery centers, professional tunnel vision is natural...but not always for the best. Near the end of his mission, Captain Kelly shared a prank that lit up Twitter and demonstrated that even serious pilots, scientists, and engineers must make time for a little levity.