On October 30, 2015, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2016 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) final rule. The final rule updates Medicare payment policies and rates for:

• hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs);
• ASCs; and
• partial hospitalization services provided by community mental health centers (CMHCs).

Additionally, the final rule makes refinements to quality reporting programs in these outpatient settings and makes changes to the Two Midnight Rule. The final rule goes into effect on January 1, 2016. CMS is accepting public comments on the final rule until 5 p.m. EST on December 29, 2015.

Summary of Final 2016 Rule for ISASS Members