Arizona Ambulatory Surgery Center Association

SAVE THE DATE: 2012 AASCA Conference

evelyn — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:59:30 +0000

June 28-30, 2012

Sedona, AZ

Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa
90 Ridge Trail Drive
Sedona, Arizona 86351
928-284-4040 | www.sedonaresort.hilton.com

Qmedtrix Sues Former Employee

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:32:14 +0000

(Portland, Oregon) — In a lawsuit filed on September 13th, 2010, Portland-based Qmedtrix Systems, Inc. seeks a permanent injunction to stop a former employee from testifying about the company’s medical bill review practices. The five-count Complaint alleges, among other things, that R. William von Sydow–formerly Director of National Dispute Resolution for Qmedtrix–breached his Confidentiality Agreement with the company in conversations with a hospital’s lawyer in Florida. The company’s Complaint requests a jury trial and seeks $1,000,000.00 in actual as well as punitive damages.

Also on Monday, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge John A. Wittmayer granted Qmedtrix a temporary restraining order to prevent Mr. von Sydow from representing any party or testifying in any proceeding that involves or relates in any way to the company’s services. This restraining order explains that Mr. von Sydow is a lawyer who has “gone to the other side” of the industry.

As the company’s Complaint describes, Qmedtrix offers medical bill review services for workers’ compensation carriers, third-party administrators, bill review companies, self-insured corporations, and state funds. Qmedtrix has developed an extensive database and unique proprietary methodology for determining fair and reasonable payment to health care providers. As part of its service to customers, Qmedtrix conducts medical bill audits and comparative reviews, and makes recommendations concerning payment amounts. In the event of a dispute with a health care provider, Qmedtrix also offers assistance to its customers in litigation or negotiations.

From June 2006 until his termination in July of this year, Mr. von Sydow served as Director of National Dispute Resolution for Qmedtrix. In that role, he advised Qmedtrix’s senior staff, negotiation team members, and bill reviewers on various legal issues and strategies. Mr. von Sydow also advised Qmedtrix’s customers and outside counsel regarding various administrative and court proceedings nationwide. He also provided expert testimony regarding Qmedtrix’s methodology on behalf of the company’s customers.

A declaration attached to the Complaint by Dr. Merrit Quarum, Qmedtrix’s CEO and President, alleges that Mr. von Sydow’s conduct has injured and will continue to injure the company’s reputation and credibility in the industry and impact the ability of Qmedtrix to litigate or negotiate claims. “There are many pending proceedings in other states in which defendant could engage in similar conduct,” this declaration continues. “If he does so, it will result in immediate and irreparable harm to Qmedtrix”

The hearing on Qmedtrix’s motion for a permanent injunction is scheduled for Friday, September 17, 2010.

ASC Advocacy

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:31:22 +0000

(Phoenix, Arizona) — Arizona ASC Association to meet last December with Will Humble, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services to review language within Regulation 9-10-1707B relative to CMS standards. We are pleased to announce that our efforts were well received, and Mr. Humble subsequently issued a letter stating, “prior to admission will now be interpreted to mean prior to the surgical procedure.”
This change will help to further the quality and efficiency of care, for which ambulatory surgery centers pride themselves in providing. Click here to see a copy of the letter.

2011 Fall Conference: Follow-Up

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:04:29 +0000

September 29-30th (Conference Schedule)

Thank you for attending the 2011 Fall Conference at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. If you earned CEUs they have been reported for you.

Our conference was well attended and proved to be a fantastic opportunity to learn, network and exchange ideas. We had 34 companies exhibit and over 105 attendees. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the best of Scottsdale and learn the latest in ASC news, insight, information and more!