March/April 2025 Issue of Becker’s ASC Review
ON THE COVER
Could consolidation help ASCs thrive?
Gina Taylor, quality and accreditation program manager at Bellaire, Texas-based Harris Health, joined Becker’s about the advantages of collaboration between ASCs and hospitals.
Stark law enforcement is evolving: 10 notes for 2025
Stark law enforcement is evolving rapidly, with heightened scrutiny, a record-breaking volume of qui tam lawsuits, and new legal precedents reshaping compliance risks for physicians and ASCs.
4 things to know about the 2025 ASC covered procedures list
Procedures, especially in certain physician specialties, are rapidly moving to the ASC setting as patients increasingly want to avoid hospitals, cut costs and recover at home.
ASCs in the wake of natural disasters: 10 notes on response efforts
In the last year, several regions of the U.S. have been hit with devastating natural disasters, from wildfires to hurricanes.
The qualities 1 orthopedic leader looked for in an MSO
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine became part of Growth Orthopedics, and the partnership was forged by the shared desire for local care and support.
Gastroenterologists vs. red tape
From Stark law to prior authorization hurdles, gastroenterologist leaders see three major regulatory obstacles stifling industry growth and innovation.
10 trends defining hospital consolidation
Hospital consolidation continues to reshape the nation’s healthcare landscape, with mergers and acquisitions becoming a dominant strategy for health systems seeking financial stability, operational efficiency and expanded patient access.
The policy changes ASCA is fighting for in 2025 — and what’s at stake
As federal policy updates come out of Washington at a rapid pace under a new presidential administration, ASC leaders and physicians remain watchful of policy shifts and legislation that will directly impact their practices.
ASCs’ cost crisis: How ‘misaligned incentives’ are shaping the industry
Rising healthcare costs and restrictive policies are creating significant challenges for ASCs, potentially threatening their ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality care.
A look into Arizona’s ‘highly competitive’ ASC landscape
From rising operational costs to shifting market dynamics, Arizona’s ASCs are facing a complex mix of challenges.
ASC MANAGEMENT
Could consolidation help ASCs thrive?
Gina Taylor, quality and accreditation program manager at Bellaire, Texas-based Harris Health, joined Becker’s about the advantages of collaboration between ASCs and hospitals.
4 things to know about the 2025 ASC covered procedures list
Procedures, especially in certain physician specialties, are rapidly moving to the ASC setting as patients increasingly want to avoid hospitals, cut costs and recover at home.
California’s regulatory roadblocks: The policies limiting ASC expansion
While California lacks certificate-of-need laws — cited by many industry leaders as a major barrier to ASC growth — regulatory challenges still exist.
The policy changes ASCA is fighting for in 2025 — and what’s at stake
As federal policy updates come out of Washington at a rapid pace under a new presidential administration, ASC leaders and physicians remain watchful of policy shifts and legislation that will directly impact their practices.
Stark law enforcement is evolving: 10 notes for 2025
Stark law enforcement is evolving rapidly, with heightened scrutiny, a record-breaking volume of qui tam lawsuits, and new legal precedents reshaping compliance risks for physicians and ASCs.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
A look into Arizona’s ‘highly competitive’ ASC landscape
From rising operational costs to shifting market dynamics, Arizona’s ASCs are facing a complex mix of challenges.
ASCs’ cost crisis: How ‘misaligned incentives’ are shaping the industry
Rising healthcare costs and restrictive policies are creating significant challenges for ASCs, potentially threatening their ability to provide cost-effective, high-quality care.
Why independent practice is under pressure and what comes next
The physician workforce is facing a period of rapid change, with independent practices under increasing pressure, alternative employment opportunities shifting and patient access to care at risk.
ORTHOPEDICS
The qualities 1 orthopedic leader looked for in an MSO
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine became part of Growth Orthopedics, and the partnership was forged by the shared desire for local care and support.
The biggest opportunity ahead for spine ASCs
As ASC case volume grows, single-specialty ASCs have an opportunity to shine, spine surgeon Choll Kim, MD, said.
Why orthopedic care hasn’t become easier
Pressures related to payers and overhead have made maintaining an orthopedic practice increasingly difficult, says Matthew Harb, MD of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Washington, D.C.
Healthcare consolidation should be a ‘net benefit’: Dr. Matthew Lavery
The healthcare landscape is trending toward consolidation amid small practices, and leaders should stay mindful about how the benefits of those moves will support patients, Matthew Lavery, MD, said.
GASTROENTROLOGY
Gastroenterologists vs. red tape
From Stark law to prior authorization hurdles, gastroenterologist leaders see three major regulatory obstacles stifling industry growth and innovation.
Inside Gastro Health’s bold growth blueprint
Miami-based Gastro Health is setting a bold new course in GI care, driven by physician engagement and growth strategies.
The next growth opportunity for outpatient GI
The capsule endoscopy market has shown significant growth in recent years due to the increased prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and the growing preference for non-invasive diagnostic procedures, according to a recent market report.
TRANSACTIONS
10 trends defining hospital consolidation
Hospital consolidation continues to reshape the nation’s healthcare landscape, with mergers and acquisitions becoming a dominant strategy for health systems seeking financial stability, operational efficiency and expanded patient access.
Tenet’s big bet on ASCs pays off
Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is doubling down on ambulatory growth, with its subsidiary United Surgical Partners International driving expansion amid rising demand for outpatient care.
Physicians and cash-based payment: 5 things to know
As reimbursement challenges and administrative burdens continue to squeeze physicians, some have embraced cash-only or direct primary care models.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Health systems embark on culture makeoversHealth system C-suites faced with staff shortages, thinning margins, increased patient volumes and rapidly advancing digital technologies are igniting cultural transformation to spark innovation for sustainable operations.
Is healthcare tech changing too fast?The pace of change in healthcare has accelerated greatly over the last five years. The pandemic necessitated swift changes to meet care demands, and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and generative AI in the years since gave healthcare providers tools to transform even more quickly.
The 1 word AdventHealth’s chief strategy officer is tempted to tune outInnovation does not have to be a sweeping change implemented all at once — it can be achieved through smaller, intentional steps, David Banks wrote in a Feb. 19 LinkedIn post.
The case for a 4-day workweek for nurse managersFour-day workweeks lead to an improved work-life balance for nurse managers, nurse leaders at Philadelphia-based Fox Chase Cancer Center argue in a new paper shared with Becker’s.
