Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center leaders to know for Dec. 4, 2014.
Patient harms fall 17% since 2010.
In 2010, the healthcare community was tasked with improving quality measures through a series of initiatives, including Medicare payment incentives and HHS' Partnership for Patients. The interim update report on 2013 annual healthcare-associated infection rates and cost savings estimates indicates a 17 percent drop in healthcare-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2013, which equals approximately 1.3 million fewer conditions. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
GI/endoscopy quality indicators updated.
The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy/American College of Gastroenterology Task Force on Quality in Endoscopy has updated quality indicators for several GI/endoscopy procedures. The updates apply to all common GI endoscopic procedures, EGD, colonoscopy, ERCP and EUS.
Surgery Center at Beaufort acquired by hospital partner.
Beaufort (S.C.) Memorial Hospital has acquired the previously joint ventured Surgery Center at Beaufort. The surgery center opened in 2000, and the hospital initially owned a 40 percent stake. With the close of the acquisition, the hospital will own the center in its entirety.
Life Safety Code regulations, credentialing top list of ASC compliance issues.
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care has released its 2014 Accreditation Association Electronic National Evaluation and Information Dataset report, which evaluates compliance with 2013 AAAHC standards. Standards 2.I.11.F and 8.A.2 were the most commonly cited deficiencies for ASCs. The two standards refer to Medicare Conditions for Coverage requiring the governing body to ensure compliance with CMS requirements, include NFPA Life Safety Code regulations. The other top compliance issues were related to credentialing, quality improvement and documentation in clinical records.
Northstar Healthcare acquires marketing company for $34M.
Shortly after reporting a 125 percent climb in third quarter revenue, Northstar Healthcare acquired healthcare marketing company Athas Health for $34 million. Athas Health, based in Dallas, provides healthcare marketing services in seven states. The company had $29 million in revenue and $3 million in EBITDA at the year's end of 2013.
Anesthesia-related impairment could last longer than expected.
Anesthesia can leave patients feeling groggy when they wake up, but new research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that these memory impairments can last as long as a week. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
FDA approves new colonoscope system.
The FDA granted the Aer-O-Scope Colonoscope System from GI View 510(k) clearance. The Aer-O-Scope system is a single-use, self-propelled colorectal cancer screening system with 360 degree omni-directional visualization. Like other colonoscopes, it also provides insufflation, irrigation and suction.