The independent dispute resolution process for out-of-network services is now available to anesthesiologists and other healthcare providers.

Surgery centers have advocated for site-neutral payments with hospital outpatient departments, so the same rates are paid regardless of where the procedure is performed.

Here are eight hospitals that have opened or have plans to open ASCs:

The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association's board of directors recently appointed new board officers and members.

A surgeon from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago is planning to open an outpatient orthopedic surgery center in Chesterton, Ind., according to a May 12 nwi.com report.

Ohio physician Ankita Singh, MD, was charged with fraudulently billing Medicare $8.4 million for unnecessary supplies and equipment, the U.S. Justice Department said May 12. 

According to an interview from HealthLeaders with Alexander Sah, MD, several unique aspects of ASCs continue to drive growth.

Texas is potentially the best state to open an ASC, while New Jersey and other states fall short.

CMS has passed several measures in the last year affecting ASC reimbursements, including removing 255 procedures from the ASC-payable list. For Cathy McCue, MSN, RN, administrator of Uropartners Surgery Center in Des Plaines, Ill., CMS' actions point to a prioritization of hospitals because of a strong hospital lobby. 

Real estate developer Olympus closed a deal to build a $100 million medical office campus with Healthcare Trust of America in Clermont, Fla., GrowthSpotter reported May 11.  

In the last 14 days, COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 20 percent nationwide, with 39 states and Washington, D.C., reporting increases. 

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons United Kingdom has named Dr. Aamir Ghafoor, its PACES Champion 2021 and the best examiner in the world, The News reported May 11. 

Median gastroenterologist revenue hit a two-year high on March 1, according to Kaufman Hall's "Physician Flash Report" published May 2. 

Jackson-based Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center suffered a data breach, the practice said May 6.

Physicians should decide whether procedures are performed in ASCs or hospital outpatient departments, Bill Prentice, CEO of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, said during the California Ambulatory Surgery Association's ASC Summit. 

Humble, Texas-based cardiology center Vital Heart & Vein named Gay Nord as CEO.

Anesthesia payer policy is complicated and constantly evolving, Tony Mira, Anesthesia Business Consultants' president and CEO, wrote in a recent blog post.

Ophthalmology group NVision has added two practices to its network.

Raleigh (N.C.) Orthopaedic Clinic surgeon Tyler Watters, MD, performed the state's first implant of a smart orthopedic device.

The owners of telemedicine company RediDoc admitted their roles in a $64 million fraud, bribery and kickback scheme, the Justice Department said May 10.