In response to concerns raised by ASCA, the ASC Quality Collaboration and other ASC stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for submitting web-based data for the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program until September 30. This applies to the claims-based measures submitted via QualityNet and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

As a reminder the following measures are submitted via QualityNet:

• ASC-6: Safe Surgery Checklist Use;

• ASC-7: ASC Facility Volume Data on Selected ASC Surgical Procedures;

• ASC-9: Endoscopy/Polyp Surveillance: Appropriate Follow-up Interval for Normal Colonoscopy in Average Risk Patients; and

• ASC-10: Endoscopy/Polyp Surveillance: Colonoscopy Interval for Patients with a History of Adenomatous Polyps – Avoidance of Inappropriate Use

ASC-8: Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel is reported through NHSN.

To check data submission status for ASC-6, ASC-7, ASC-9, and ASC-10, enter your facility’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) into the Web-Based Status Listing search function.

To check data submission status for ASC-8, enter your facility’s CMS Certification Number (CCN) into the NHSN Status Listing search function. If you do not know your facility’s CCN, you can find it through the CCN Lookup Tool by entering your facility’s NPI.

Although the deadline has been extended to September 30, 2015, ASCs should start the process required to report data for these measures now. The enrollment and reporting processes can be time-consuming; please allow at least two to four weeks to complete QualityNet registration and NHSN enrollment. To report ASC-6, ASC-7, ASC-9, and ASC-10 data through QualityNet, facilities must have a registered Security Administrator or basic user. To report data through the NHSN, facilities must be enrolled in the NHSN.

The ASCQR Program Support Contractor can assist with the QualityNet Secure Portal process or any program-related issues at 866.800.8756 or at cms-ocsq.custhelp.com. CDC can assist with questions about the NHSN process via email at nhsn@cdc.gov. Please put “Ambulatory Surgery Center” in the subject line of these messages.

While ASCA is pleased with the extension, we will continue to work with CMS and the CDC to ensure that ASCs that are trying to report successfully are not penalized due to issues beyond their control. If you are having trouble receiving assistance from the ASCQR Program Support Contractor or NHSN, please contact Kara Newbury at knewbury@ascassociation.org.