7 things for ASC leaders to know for Thursday

Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center industry leaders to know for Oct. 2, 2014.

South Dakota to vote on narrow networks.
Narrow networks may reduce costs, but they also restrict patient choice. South Dakota voters will head to the polls in October to determine which one of these objectives is more important, as they vote for an "any willing provider law," legislation that would dismantle narrow networks in the state.

Mergers may contribute to rising healthcare costs.
A report published in The Wall Street Journal suggests that the increase in hospital and health system mergers may be a significant cause of rising healthcare costs. Across the country, private insurance payments to hospitals have risen 3 percent due to consolidation, according to a 2012 Catalyst for Payment Reform report. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.

South Carolina house reviews state's CON program.
A South Carolina House of Representatives panel responsible for reviewing the state's certificate of need program has begun its work. Rep. Murrell Smith, a Republican, is chairing the committee, whose task it is to provide recommendations for reforming the CON program and address next steps for dealing with healthcare facilities that expanded while the program was suspended.

Studies question FDA's safety regulation ability.
Two studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine have come to the same conclusion: The Food and Drug Administration is doing a poor job of regulating medical device safety. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.

Virginia Mason offers hip, knee replacement warranties.
Virginia Mason Hospital & Medical Center, a nonprofit hospital in Seattle, has begun to offer hip and knee replacement warranties for procedures performed in its network. The warranty will protect patients, insurers and employers from additional costs incurred by surgical complications, should they occur. It is part of a bundled-service contract, and covers diagnosis, surgery and rehabilitation.

SAGES launches endoscopy safety program.
The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons launched a new program designed to promote safe use of energy-based devices in the endoscopy suite and operating room. The Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy program aims to bridge a gap in surgical education by providing the specific knowledge to promote OR safety when using surgical devices.

CMS open payments website launches.
CMS's Open Payments website has finally launched for the public, in accordance with the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, despite months of questions, criticisms, objections and several occasions of being taken offline. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.

More articles on ASC issues:
10 things to know about gastroenterology
ASC safe surgery: The power of the checklist
12 ASCs making the news this month

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