From "arcane" to "inequitable" to "outdated," many words can describe the government's reimbursement of freestanding surgical centers. Come January 2008, when ASC and hospital payment rates will be linked as a result of an overhauled ASC payment system, you can add two more words: "new" and (perhaps) "improved." Surgical centers will still be reimbursed considerably less than hospitals performing the same procedures, but the rates will be more comparable than they are now. Let's take a look at where the ASC payment system has been, where it's at and where it's headed.