ACS Continues Supporting Surgical Patients by Joining SCC

Dr. Khalid Shirif splits his time between leading several Arizona medical operations, such as Vanguard Physician Group and Anthem Hospice, where he serves as medical director. Dedicated to staying abreast of changes in the field, Dr. Khalid Shirif is double board-certified in general surgery and hospice and palliative care by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Since its founding in 1913, the ACS has been working toward improving the quality of care for surgical patients. To this end, the organization announced in June 2020 that it is a founding member of the Surgical Care Coalition (SCC). This group will work with Congress to improve the quality of life for surgical patients, along with protecting them and ensuring they have good access to surgical care. It would also work on stopping the planned Medicare cuts that would reduce the timely delivery of and access to quality surgical services.

The ACS has been strongly opposed to these proposed cuts since they were first announced. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would implement a reduction in surgical care payments by January 2021, but the ACS hopes that it, along with the SCC’s other 11 founding members, can encourage Congress to prevent these cuts. Together, the group has already found that surgeons are facing serious financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and these cuts combined with such distress could create instability in the healthcare system. 

Paying for Hospice Services with Medicare

With a medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Khalid Mahmoud Shirif is experienced in providing hospice and palliative care services. Dr. Khalid Shirif is the owner and medical director of two Mesa, Arizona hospice centers that provide end-of-life care.

Hospice care expenses can be covered by Medicare in certain circumstances. The patient must qualify for Medicare Part A, which covers many types of long-term care. The patient must receive a terminal diagnosis from their physician that estimates less than six months to live. Furthermore, the patient must only accept palliative medical treatment and forgo curative care.

If the previous conditions are met, the patient or his/her legal guardian must sign a legal document attesting the desire to end curative treatment. If the patient receives care in a Medicare-approved facility, they will not be responsible for any costs. Housing costs are not covered for patients who receive hospice care where they normally reside.