TRICARE Policy Manual 6010.60-M, April 1, 2015 Providers Chapter 11 Section 6.2 Freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Issue Date: June 20, 1988 Authority: 32 CFR 199.6(b)(4)(x)(B)(1) Revision: 1.0 ISSUEASCs. 2.0 POLICY2.1 Each contractor is the certifying authority for applications for status as an authorized institutional provider for freestanding ASCs located within their geographical jurisdiction. 2.2 Freestanding ASCs are covered under the following circumstances:2.2.1 The treatment is prescribed and supervised by a physician; 2.2.2 The type and level of care and services rendered by the center are covered services; 2.2.3 The center meets all licensing or other certification requirements of the jurisdiction in which the facility is located; and 2.2.4 The center is accredited by the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC), or other standards as authorized by the Director, Defense Health Agency (DHA). Status as an accredited Medicare Freestanding ASC is accepted in lieu of accreditation by the Joint Commission or the AAAHC. The contractors may contact the Medical Benefits and Reimbursement Section (MB&RS) Division to determine if other accreditation organizations can be recognized by TRICARE. 2.2.5 A childbirth procedure provided by an authorized freestanding ASC shall not be covered unless the ASC is also an authorized birthing center institutional provider as established by the birthing center provider certification requirements. - END -