- CareFirst CHPMD Providers: Starting 11/2, you can submit medication prior authorizations electronically through the CareFirst Provider Portal. For more information watch this recorded webinar or access the step-by-step guide.
- All Providers: Billing NPI Reminder:The billing NPI submitted on claims must match the billing NPI on file with CareFirst,NPPES and MPRIME(CareFirst CHPMD). If your billing NPI is not enrolled with CareFirst, add it here .
Change Healthcare notifying individuals of data breach. Learn more here.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers
As you know, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is a healthcare facility that specializes in providing surgery and diagnostic services in an outpatient setting. When patients are referred appropriately to in-network ASCs, health care costs can be reduced, as shown below.
| Procedure | Outpatient Hospital | Ambulatory Surgery Center | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cataract Removal | $5,390 | $2,299 | 57% |
| Diagnostic Colonoscopy | $2,353 | $1,120 | 52% |
| Esophagogastroduodenoscopy With Biopsy | $2,945 | $1,085 | 63% |
| Laminotomy (Hemilaminectomy) | $10,003 | $6,356 | 36% |
| Repair Initial Inguinal Hernia | $6,417 | $2,903 | 55% |
| Surgical Arthroscopy (knee) | $7,013 | $3,769 | 46% |
| Surgical Arthroscopy (Shoulder) | $13,345 | $9,081 | 32% |
| Surgical Hysteroscopy | $5,082 | $1,681 | 67% |
| Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy | $4,609 | $2,078 | 55% |
| Tympanostomy | $4,184 | $2,059 | 51% |
| This information does not take into account the severity of a patient's illness. Costs are based on average CareFirst member's costs in 2016 and may not represent your patient's actual cost of care for the same services. | |||
CareFirst offers a wide range of accredited Ambulatory Surgery Centers that are appropriate in various clinical situations. To find an in-network facility or other network provider, use our Find a Provider search.