TLC Health Network, based in Irving, N.Y., is voicing opposition to a new surgery center project proposed for Hamburg, N.Y., according to a Buffalo Business First report.
Here are seven things to know about the surgery center project and TLC Health's opposition.
1. Husband and wife Vishal Sharma, MD, and Nisha Sharma, MD, filed a certificate of need application with the Department of Health for the Premier Ambulatory Surgery Center in Hamburg.
2. Dr. Vishal Sharma is an ophthalmologist and Dr. Nisha Sharma is a family practice physician. They each would own an equal share in the center. Gastroenterologist Jehad Miqdadi, MD, would also perform procedures at the center, according to the report.
3. The CON application calls for a 6,295-square-foot facility focused on ophthalmology and gastroenterology.
4. TLC Health is arguing against the project, claiming that the surgery center would have a detrimental impact on its Lake Shore Health Care Center in Irving, N.Y. The health system claims the new center would result in a loss of 1,800 surgical cases, according to the report.
5. The Premier project is not the first surgery center project against which TLC Health has fought. TLC Health was amongst a group of several hospitals and health systems that opposed Kaleida Health's Southtowns ASC project. The DOH approved the project, and the surgery center will open next year in Orchard Park, N.Y.
6. The project will go before the Public Health and Health Planning Council establishment committee for review on July 23, according to the report. The project will then move forward to full committee review.
7. If approved, the Premier ASC will become the 11th freestanding surgery center in Erie County, according to the report.