5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  The ASC is crucial for ophthalmic practice economics, relying on facility-based reimbursement and efficient surgical throughput.

• 2

  CMS's 2026 updates include a 2.4% payment increase for ASCs, incentivizing the migration of procedures from hospitals to ASCs.

• 3

  The expansion of the ASC Covered Procedures List in 2026 presents significant opportunities for ophthalmology groups to enhance profitability.

• 4

  Ophthalmology's strong safety record in ASCs supports the shift of more procedures to these centers, aligning with CMS's cost-saving strategies.

• 5

  Practices must prepare for changes by evaluating workflows, anesthesia needs, and documentation to optimize reimbursement and case mix.