Category: Healthcare

Medical Malpractice
Healthcare, Telemedicine

Navigating the Complex Landscape: Addressing Medical Malpractice in Hospitals and Healthcare Companies

Dec 1, 2023 by Shankar R 0 Comments ,

In the pursuit of providing optimal healthcare, hospitals and healthcare companies face the inevitable challenge of addressing medical malpractice. The repercussions of medical errors are profound, impacting patient trust, healthcare provider reputations, and, most importantly, patient outcomes. In this blog, we delve into the proactive measures and strategies adopted by hospitals and healthcare companies to mitigate and address the complex issue of medical malpractice.

Emphasizing a Culture of Safety:

Hospitals and healthcare companies are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of fostering a culture of safety within their organizations. This involves creating an environment where healthcare professionals feel empowered to report errors and near-misses without fear of reprisal. Encouraging open communication and transparency sets the foundation for identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate into medical malpractice situations.

Investing in Advanced Technologies:

The integration of advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical decision support systems, has become a cornerstone in addressing medical malpractice. These technologies not only enhance the accuracy and efficiency of patient care but also provide a comprehensive record of medical interventions, facilitating precise identification and analysis in the event of an adverse outcome.

Implementing Robust Quality Assurance Programs:

Hospitals and healthcare companies are implementing robust quality assurance programs that involve continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of healthcare practices. Regular audits, peer reviews, and performance assessments contribute to identifying areas of improvement and ensuring adherence to established standards of care.

Enhancing Staff Training and Education:

Ongoing staff training and education are critical components in preventing medical malpractice. Hospitals are investing in continuous professional development programs to keep healthcare providers abreast of the latest medical advancements, procedural updates, and patient safety protocols. Well-informed and adequately trained healthcare professionals are better equipped to navigate complex medical scenarios, minimizing the risk of errors.

Encouraging Patient Engagement:

Engaging patients in their own healthcare journey is an emerging strategy in addressing medical malpractice. Informed and engaged patients serve as active participants in their treatment plans, helping to identify discrepancies, ask critical questions, and contribute to error prevention.

Implementing Effective Communication Protocols:

Communication breakdowns are a common precursor to medical errors. Hospitals and healthcare companies are implementing effective communication protocols, ensuring seamless information flow among healthcare teams. Clear and concise communication minimizes the risk of misunderstandings that could lead to adverse events.

Establishing Comprehensive Risk Management Protocols:

Hospitals are increasingly adopting comprehensive risk management protocols that involve identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks. By proactively addressing risk factors, healthcare organizations can minimize the likelihood of medical malpractice incidents.

Conclusion:

Addressing medical malpractice is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic and proactive approach from hospitals and healthcare companies. By emphasizing a culture of safety, leveraging advanced technologies, implementing robust quality assurance programs, and prioritizing ongoing staff training, the healthcare industry aims to continuously enhance patient safety and ensure that every individual receives the highest standard of care.

Healthcare

Unveiling the Latest Trends in Healthcare Data Management

Nov 22, 2023 by Shankar R 0 Comments

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, data management plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient, secure, and patient-centric services. As technology continues to advance, the latest trends in healthcare data management are reshaping the industry, promising enhanced decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined processes.

  1. Interoperability and Integration:
    One of the foremost trends in healthcare data management is the emphasis on interoperability and integration. In a world where patient information is scattered across various systems, achieving seamless data exchange between different healthcare platforms has become paramount. Integrated systems enable healthcare providers to access comprehensive patient records, fostering more informed decision-making and cohesive patient care.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):
    AI and ML are revolutionizing healthcare data management by offering predictive analytics, personalized treatment plans, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. These technologies can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns, predict disease progression, and even recommend tailored interventions. Implementing AI and ML in data management not only accelerates decision-making processes but also contributes to precision medicine, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
  3. Blockchain Technology for Data Security:
    As data breaches become a growing concern, blockchain technology has emerged as a robust solution for enhancing data security in healthcare. Blockchain ensures the integrity and confidentiality of patient information, providing a transparent and tamper-proof system. This decentralized approach not only safeguards sensitive data but also facilitates secure sharing of information among healthcare stakeholders.
  4. Patient-Centric Data Access:
    Empowering patients with access to their health data is a transformative trend in healthcare data management. Through patient portals and mobile applications, individuals can actively participate in managing their health information, promoting engagement and collaboration with healthcare providers. This trend not only enhances patient autonomy but also contributes to a more holistic and personalized approach to healthcare.
  5. Cloud-Based Solutions:
    The adoption of cloud-based solutions in healthcare data management is on the rise, offering scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud platforms enable healthcare organizations to store and retrieve large volumes of data securely, facilitating real-time collaboration and data sharing. This trend is particularly advantageous in a landscape where rapid access to information is crucial for timely and effective patient care.
  6. Cybersecurity Measures:
    Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, healthcare data management trends include a heightened focus on cybersecurity measures. Advanced encryption techniques, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring are essential components in safeguarding sensitive patient data, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining the trust of patients and stakeholders.

In conclusion, the latest trends in healthcare data management are steering the industry towards a future characterized by seamless integration, advanced analytics, enhanced security, and patient empowerment. Embracing these trends not only positions healthcare organizations at the forefront of innovation but also reinforces their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in an increasingly data-driven era.

patient outcomes
Healthcare

Advancing Patient Outcomes: Innovative Initiatives in the Hospitals and Healthcare Industry

Nov 14, 2023 by Shankar R 0 Comments ,

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the focus has shifted from merely treating illnesses to improving overall patient outcomes. The hospitals and healthcare industry, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in shaping the health journey of individuals, has embarked on various initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. These endeavors span a spectrum of technological, procedural, and holistic approaches, collectively contributing to a more patient-centric and effective healthcare system.

  1. Technological Integration for Precision Medicine

One notable initiative in the healthcare sector involves the integration of cutting-edge technologies to tailor medical treatments to individual patients—commonly known as precision medicine. Hospitals are investing in advanced diagnostic tools, genetic profiling, and artificial intelligence to analyze vast datasets and identify personalized treatment plans. This approach allows healthcare professionals to optimize therapies, minimizing adverse effects and increasing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes.

  1. Telemedicine for Enhanced Accessibility

The advent of telemedicine has revolutionized the accessibility of healthcare services, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Hospitals are increasingly adopting telehealth platforms to facilitate virtual consultations, monitor chronic conditions remotely, and provide timely medical interventions. This not only enhances patient convenience but also ensures early intervention and ongoing management, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for a diverse range of medical conditions.

  1. Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling

Harnessing the power of data analytics, hospitals are now able to predict and prevent potential health issues. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, healthcare providers can identify patterns and trends, enabling proactive interventions. Predictive modeling is particularly impactful in managing chronic conditions, allowing for personalized care plans that address individual risk factors and preferences.

  1. Collaborative Care Models

Hospitals are increasingly adopting collaborative care models that emphasize a team-based approach to patient management. This involves close coordination among healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, specialists, and allied health workers. By fostering interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, hospitals aim to provide comprehensive care that addresses the diverse needs of patients, leading to more effective treatment plans and improved health outcomes.

  1. Patient Engagement and Education

Recognizing the importance of informed and engaged patients, hospitals are investing in initiatives to enhance patient education. Educational programs and digital resources empower individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey, understand treatment plans, and make informed lifestyle choices. Improved patient understanding and engagement contribute significantly to treatment adherence and positive health outcomes.

In conclusion, the hospitals and healthcare industry’s commitment to advancing patient outcomes is evident through a multifaceted approach. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to embracing collaborative care models and promoting patient education, these initiatives collectively represent a transformative shift toward a more patient-centric and effective healthcare paradigm. As these efforts continue to evolve, the future holds the promise of further improving the quality of care and overall health outcomes for individuals around the globe.

Healthcare

Mastering Clinical Care Quality: Strategies and Best Practices for Optimal Patient Outcomes

May 1, 2023 by Shankar R 0 Comments

Healthcare is one of the most important sectors in any country’s economy. It is responsible for the provision of healthcare services to the population, with the aim of ensuring good health and wellbeing. One of the most critical aspects of healthcare provision is clinical care quality. Clinical care quality is the level of value provided by any healthcare resource, as determined by some measurement. It is an assessment of whether something is good enough and whether it is suitable for its purpose. In this blog post will discuss the importance of clinical care quality and why it is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing.

The quality of clinical care has a direct impact on patient outcomes. Patients who receive high-quality care have better health outcomes, lower rates of complications, and a reduced risk of mortality. Quality care can also lead to a reduction in the length of hospital stays and readmission rates. On the other hand, low-quality care can result in negative health outcomes, complications, and even death.

Clinical care quality is essential because it ensures that patients receive the best possible care. This means that healthcare providers must adhere to best practices and standards of care, such as using evidence-based treatments, following proper protocols and guidelines, and maintaining a high level of professionalism. Patients deserve to receive care that is safe, effective, and of the highest quality. When healthcare providers deliver high-quality care, patients have greater trust in the healthcare system, and they are more likely to seek care when they need it.

Moreover, high-quality clinical care can also lead to cost savings. When patients receive high-quality care, they are less likely to experience complications or require readmission to the hospital. This can result in significant cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. In addition, high-quality care can lead to better health outcomes, which can reduce the need for long-term care and costly treatments. By investing in clinical care quality, healthcare providers can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes simultaneously.

Clinical care quality is also essential for the healthcare workforce. Healthcare providers who deliver high-quality care experience greater job satisfaction and are more likely to stay in their jobs. Quality care also fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement, which can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce. By investing in clinical care quality, healthcare providers can create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

In conclusion, clinical care quality is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. Patients deserve to receive care that is safe, effective, and of the highest quality. Quality care leads to better health outcomes, cost savings, and a more engaged and motivated healthcare workforce. As such, investing in clinical care quality should be a top priority for healthcare providers and policymakers. By prioritizing quality care, we can ensure that patients receive the best possible care, and our healthcare systems become more efficient, effective, and sustainable.

With Saince’s comprehensive set of clinical care quality services, we will make sure you are on top of all the quality improvement measures as specified by CMS and get on the road to achieve or maintain your 5 Star status.

Patient outreach services

Mobile or in-clinic diagnostic services

Part C and Part D quality measures

Health equity measures, etc.

Contact us for more information.

Healthcare

Elevating Physician Efficiency and Patient Care through Expert Medical Scribe Services

Mar 20, 2023 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments , ,

Medical scribe services have become increasingly popular in recent years, as healthcare providers seek to streamline their workflows and improve the accuracy of their clinical documentation. A medical scribe is a trained professional who works with healthcare providers to document patient encounters in real-time. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of medical scribe services and how they can improve patient care.

One of the primary benefits of medical scribe services is that they can improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation. Healthcare providers often struggle to keep up with the demands of clinical documentation while also providing quality care to their patients. By working with a medical scribe, providers can focus on patient care while the scribe takes care of documenting the encounter. This can help ensure that documentation is accurate, complete, and timely.

Another benefit of medical scribe services is that they can help reduce the risk of errors and omissions in clinical documentation. Inaccurate or incomplete documentation can lead to serious consequences for patients, such as incorrect diagnoses or treatment plans. By having a medical scribe present during patient encounters, healthcare providers can be confident that all relevant information is being captured accurately.

Medical scribe services can also help improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Providers who work with a medical scribe can see more patients in a shorter amount of time, as the scribe takes care of documentation tasks. This can help reduce wait times for patients and improve patient satisfaction. In addition, medical scribe services can help reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.

Medical scribe services can also help support healthcare providers in providing high-quality care. By taking care of documentation tasks, medical scribes can free up providers to focus on building rapport with their patients, listening to their concerns, and developing personalized treatment plans. This can help improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, as patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans when they feel heard and understood by their healthcare providers.

Overall, medical scribe services offer a range of benefits to healthcare providers and patients alike. By improving the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation, reducing the risk of errors and omissions, improving efficiency, and supporting high-quality care, medical scribes can help improve the overall quality of healthcare delivery. As healthcare continues to evolve, it’s likely that medical scribe services will become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, helping to support healthcare providers in providing the best possible care to their patients.

Clinical Documentation, Clinical Documentation Improvement, Healthcare

Maximizing Inpatient Reimbursement and Quality of Care with Innovative CDI Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach

Mar 20, 2023 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments

Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) solutions and services are essential for ensuring that clinical documentation is accurate, complete, and specific. Inpatient CDI services focus on improving documentation for patients who are admitted to a hospital or other inpatient facility. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of inpatient CDI solutions and services, and how they can improve patient care.

One of the primary benefits of inpatient CDI solutions and services is that they can help improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation. This can have a significant impact on patient care, as accurate documentation can help ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and monitoring. In addition, accurate documentation can help reduce the risk of errors and omissions, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication orders.

Another benefit of inpatient CDI solutions and services is that they can help improve coding and billing accuracy. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and can help ensure that healthcare providers are fairly compensated for the care they provide. By improving documentation, inpatient CDI solutions and services can help ensure that the correct codes are assigned to each patient encounter, which can reduce the risk of denials and appeals.

Inpatient CDI solutions and services can also help improve patient outcomes. By improving the quality of clinical documentation, healthcare providers can more accurately diagnose and treat patients, which can lead to better outcomes. For example, if a patient is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, but the clinical documentation only mentions respiratory distress, the care team may not realize the severity of the patient’s condition. However, if the documentation is accurate and specific, the care team can provide appropriate treatment and monitor the patient closely to ensure they are recovering.

In addition to improving patient care and reimbursement, inpatient CDI solutions and services can also help healthcare organizations comply with regulatory requirements. For example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) require hospitals to report quality measures, which are based on clinical documentation. Accurate and complete documentation is essential for compliance with these requirements, as well as other regulatory standards.

One key feature of inpatient CDI solutions and services is the use of technology to improve the CDI process. For example, natural language processing (NLP) can be used to analyze clinical documentation and identify areas where documentation can be improved. This can help streamline the CDI process and improve the accuracy of clinical documentation.

Inpatient CDI solutions and services can also provide education and training to healthcare providers. This can help providers understand the importance of clinical documentation and how to improve their documentation practices. By providing education and training, inpatient CDI solutions and services can help ensure that providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality care and documentation.

Overall, inpatient CDI solutions and services offer a range of benefits to healthcare providers, patients, and healthcare organizations. By improving the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation, improving coding and billing accuracy, improving patient outcomes, and supporting regulatory compliance, inpatient CDI solutions and services can help improve the overall quality of healthcare delivery. As healthcare continues to evolve, it’s likely that inpatient CDI solutions and services will become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, helping to support healthcare providers in providing the best possible care to their patients.

Clinical Documentation, Healthcare

Enhancing Clinical Documentation through Comprehensive CDI Services: Improving Patient Care and Reimbursement Accuracy

Mar 20, 2023 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments

Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Services are an essential component of the healthcare industry, aimed at improving the accuracy, completeness, and specificity of clinical documentation. The goal of CDI Services is to ensure that healthcare providers have access to complete and accurate patient information, leading to better care, improved outcomes, and proper reimbursement. In this article, we will discuss the importance of CDI Services and how they can benefit healthcare organizations.

One of the primary benefits of CDI Services is improved patient care. Accurate and complete clinical documentation helps healthcare providers understand a patient’s medical history, diagnosis, and treatment plan, leading to better patient care. By improving the quality of clinical documentation, CDI Services can also help reduce the risk of medical errors, which can have significant consequences for patients. In addition, accurate documentation can help providers make more informed decisions about patient care, which can improve outcomes and reduce costs.

Another significant benefit of CDI Services is improved coding and billing accuracy. Proper coding is critical for proper reimbursement, and inaccurate coding can lead to denials and appeals, ultimately resulting in lost revenue. CDI Services can help ensure that accurate codes are assigned to each patient encounter, reducing the risk of denials and appeals and ensuring that healthcare providers are fairly compensated for the care they provide.

CDI Services can also help improve compliance with regulatory requirements. Healthcare providers are subject to numerous regulations and requirements, and accurate clinical documentation is essential for compliance. For example, healthcare organizations must comply with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. CDI Services can help ensure that healthcare providers are meeting these requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and fines.

In addition to improving patient care, coding and billing accuracy, and regulatory compliance, CDI Services can also provide significant financial benefits to healthcare organizations. By improving documentation, CDI Services can help healthcare providers identify areas where they can improve revenue cycle management, reduce denials, and increase reimbursement. In addition, accurate documentation can help healthcare organizations avoid costly litigation resulting from medical errors and omissions.

One of the key features of CDI Services is the use of technology to improve the CDI process. Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning, and other technologies can be used to analyze clinical documentation, identify areas where documentation can be improved, and automate parts of the CDI process. These tools can help streamline the CDI process, reduce the burden on healthcare providers, and improve the accuracy of clinical documentation.

CDI Services can also provide education and training to healthcare providers. This can help providers understand the importance of clinical documentation and how to improve their documentation practices. By providing education and training, CDI Services can help ensure that providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality care and documentation.

Overall, CDI Services are an essential component of the healthcare industry, aimed at improving the accuracy, completeness, and specificity of clinical documentation. By improving patient care, coding and billing accuracy, regulatory compliance, and financial performance, CDI Services can help healthcare organizations provide better care to their patients, while also improving their bottom line. As healthcare continues to evolve, it’s likely that CDI Services will become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, helping to support healthcare providers in providing the best possible care to their patients.

The goal of the Saince CDI services is to increase the quality of patient care through personalized attention and education. Our CDI team is comprised of expert consultants who possess strong clinical knowledge combined with certifications in CDI and medical coding. Our experienced CDI consultants can help you design, develop or maintain your clinical documentation improvement program while increasing hospital and physician group revenue and decreasing costs. Contact us for more information.

Clinical Documentation, Healthcare

Is MIPS really doing what it is supposed to do? Research suggests that it is not.

Dec 8, 2022 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments , , ,

How well does the Merit-based Incentive Payment Program (MIPS) of Medicare measure the caliber of medical treatment that is given? According to the findings of a recent study, not very.

The 2017 introduction of MIPS, which replaced three prior quality measurement programs, aimed to enhance patient care by financially rewarding or penalizing physicians based on their performance on particular “process” and “outcome” metrics in four key areas: cost, quality, improvement activities, and fostering interoperability.

The six metrics that participating physicians choose to report on must include one outcome indicator, such as a hospital admission for a particular disease or condition. Currently, MIPS is the biggest value-based payment program in the country.

Data from Medicare statistics and claims records for 3.4 million individuals who saw about 80,000 primary care providers in 2019 were evaluated for the study by researchers. They compared doctors’ overall MIPS scores with their scores on five process measures, including breast cancer screening, tobacco screening, and diabetic eye exams, and six outcome measures, including ED visits and hospitalizations.

The findings showed there was no consistent relationship between the measures’ performance and the final MIPS ratings. For instance, doctors with low MIPS scores scored somewhat better on the other two process measures, while having much lower average MIPS scores than physicians with high MIPS scores on three of the five process measures examined.

Low-scoring doctors performed much worse on the all-cause hospitalizations per 1,000 patients metric than they did on the other four outcome measures, although they performed significantly better on the metric of ED visits per 1,000 patients. Similar to this, 21% of physicians with high MIPS scores had outcomes that were in the poorest percentile, compared to 19% of those with low MIPS scores who performed in the top quintile for composite outcomes performance.

The findings suggest that the MIPS program’s accuracy in identifying high- versus low-performing providers is really no better than chance.

For these findings, the authors provide a number of interpretations. Among them are the challenges in making meaningful comparisons when doctors are free to select the metrics they report on, the fact that many program metrics, as other research has shown, are either invalid or of dubious validity and thus may not be linked to better outcomes, and the possibility that high scores may simply be an indicator of a program’s capacity for data collection, analysis, and reporting rather than of higher quality medical care.

They claim that the latter conclusion is supported by the discovery that participants with low MIPS scores were more likely to work in independent, small practices even though their clinical outcomes were frequently comparable to those of medical professionals in large, system-affiliated practices with high MIPS scores.

This research was released in JAMA on December 6. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2799153

Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Documentation, Clinical Documentation Improvement, Dictation, EHR, EHR, Healthcare, Healthcare Technology, Morning musings from a CEO, Outpatient CDI, Radiology

Saince announces the launch of tele-medicine feature within its clinical documentation solution

Jun 15, 2020 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments

Doc-U-Scribe clinical documentation solution now comes integrated with tele-medicine workflow. Physicians and administrators can create tele-consultation sessions with patients seamlessly from within the application. This process eliminates the need for providers to use separate solutions – one for clinical documentation and another for video session.

The COVID-19 public health crisis has accelerated the use of tele-medicine solutions among healthcare provides across the nation. However, many small hospitals and physician offices do not have access to a single solution that takes care of all their needs. Physicians are forced to use multiple solutions to complete their tele-medicine workflow. They are often finding this process frustrating and cumbersome.

Doc-U-Scribe clinical documentation solution which is used by hundreds of hospitals and physician offices across the country provides an integrated and seamless workflow for clinical documentation as well as tele-medicine.   This new HIPAA compliant tele-medicine solution can cut costs, increase efficiency, and improve physician satisfaction significantly.

Saince announced that this new feature will be available to all their existing customers immediately. Saince also announced that with their plug and play model, any new hospital or physician office can be up and running with their tele-medicine program within 48 hours.

Clinical Documentation, Clinical Documentation Improvement, EHR, Healthcare

Hospital OPPS and ASC Payment System and Quality Reporting Programs Changes for 2018

Nov 3, 2017 by Raghu Vir 0 Comments

On November 1, CMS issued the CY 2018 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System final rule with comment period, which includes updates to the 2018 rates and quality provisions and other policy changes. CMS adopted a number of policies that will support care delivery; reduce burdens for health care providers, especially in rural areas; lower beneficiary out of pocket drug costs for certain drugs; enhance the patient-doctor relationship; and promote flexibility in healthcare.

CMS is increasing the OPPS payment rates by 1.35 percent for 2018. The change is based on the hospital market basket increase of 2.7 percent minus both a 0.6 percentage point adjustment for multi-factor productivity and a 0.75 percentage point adjustment required by law. After considering all other policy changes under the final rule, including estimated spending for pass-through payments, CMS estimates an overall impact of 1.4 percent payment increase for providers paid under the OPPS in CY 2018.

CMS updates ASC payments annually by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U). The Medicare statute specifies a Multi-Factor Productivity (MFP) adjustment to the ASC annual update. For CY 2018, the CPI-U update is 1.7 percent. The MFP adjustment is 0.5 percent, resulting in a CY 2018 MFP-adjusted CPI-U update factor of 1.2 percent. Including enrollment, case-mix, and utilization changes, total ASC payments are projected to increase approximately 3 percent in 2018.