Ambulatory surgery centers may perform a history and physical on a patient the same day that patient is scheduled for surgery, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has clarified in new guidance for state surveyors.

The existing H&P requirement for ASCs, as written, had been causing confusion among state surveyors, who reportedly didn't know whether the requirement that H&Ps be performed "not more than 30 days before the date of the scheduled surgery" allowed the assessments to be conducted on the actual day of surgery. The ASC Association says it brought this concern to the attention of CMS, which responded by issuing a letter to state survey agencies late last week clarifying the requirement. The letter clarifies 3 major points: