Which of the following payment systems is primarily designed for outpatient surgeries for Medicare patients?

The payment system primarily designed for outpatient surgeries for Medicare patients is the Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System (ASC PPS). This system establishes a method for reimbursing outpatient surgical services provided in settings classified as ambulatory surgical centers. Under ASC PPS, a predetermined amount is paid based on the specific procedure performed, taking into account various factors such as the complexity of the service and the geographical location of the ASC.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers are specifically created to provide outpatient surgical care, which allows Medicare patients to receive surgical treatment without the need for overnight hospitalization. The ASC PPS encourages efficient care and cost-effectiveness, aligning with Medicare's goal of providing high-quality services while managing expenditures.

In contrast, MS-DRGs (Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Groups) are used primarily for inpatient hospital stays, while APCs (Ambulatory Payment Classification) are for outpatient services but include a broader range of services beyond just surgical procedures. RBRVS (Resource-Based Relative Value Scale) primarily applies to physician services and does not specify outpatient surgery. Each of these systems serves unique purposes and populations within the Medicare framework, but ASC PPS is explicitly tailored for outpatient surgical care.