Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center leaders to know for June 4, 2015.
3,900 physicians earn millions from Medicare in 2013
CMS recently released data on Medicare payments to healthcare organizations and providers. Approximately, 3,900 healthcare providers received at least $1 million each in 2013, according to a Bloomberg Business report. Physicians received average reimbursement of $74,000. Just five physicians received more than $10 million in Medicare payments, according to the report.
Beloit Health System ASC earns long-awaited CON
Beloit Health System, based in Roscoe, Ill., has been trying to add a surgery center to its NorthPointe Health and Wellness Campus in Roscoe for approximately two years. Now, the project will finally move forward, according to a Beloit Daily News report. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with expected completion slated for 2016.
Athens-Limestone Hospital proposes $35M surgery center
Athens-Limestone Hospital in Athens, Ala., proposed a $35 million surgery center, according to a report by The News Courier. The surgery center would house four operating rooms and two rooms that could be used for either surgery or procedural cases. The CON has yet to be approved, but hospital officials are aiming to open the new facility in 2017.
94% of women make healthcare decisions for themselves
With reports stating that women are the primary healthcare decision makers/chief medical officers of a household, healthcare providers must target women as their main demographic, according to a Center for Talent Innovation report. Ninety-four percent of women make healthcare decisions for themselves and women report that physicians who foster dialogue and communicate in a clear manner are deemed trustworthy. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
A huge discrepancy: Price of a common surgery varies from $39k to $237k in L.A.
Various medical centers in Los Angeles and across the nation are billing different charges for the same procedures. According to data drawn from federal figures, a major joint replacement operation will charge an average of $54,239. New Medicare data reveals that Inglewood's Centinela Hospital Medical Center billed the federal program an average of $237,063 in 2013 for joint replacement surgery. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
Press Ganey launches ASC consumer assessment early adopter's program
Press Ganey launched the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgery Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Early Adopter Program, which expands the company's CAHPS solutions. The new program provides outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers with OAS CAHPS measurement experience. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
800-physician group joins HCA
Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA announced Tuesday it is now affiliated with the 800-physician Santa Clara County Independent Practice Association, after acquiring Pacific Partners Management Services, the manager of the association. SCCIPA includes primary care physicians, specialists and other ancillary providers who practice in the San Jose, Calif., area. SCCIPA and Pacific Partners Management Services will now be affiliated with HCA's Physician Services Group.