Many spine and orthopedic surgeons have been lauding the advantages of robots in the operating room, but the high cost of these systems has prevented many ASCs from investing in the technology.

From rules governing referrals for family members to compensation, here are four Stark Law updates from 2021 that ASC leaders need to know:

Physicians spoke with Becker's on a number of topics this week, including vaccine mandates and staffing challenges.

Three of the largest ASC chains in the U.S. have added physicians and centers to their network and have ambitious growth plans.

Staffing shortages have reached a peak at many hospitals and health systems nationwide amid the latest COVID-19 surge, with some closing beds and fearing shutdown. 

Several payers are expanding bundled payment programs this year as studies continue to document the cost savings that payers, providers and patients can achieve through well-organized value-based initiatives.

Down­ers Grove, Ill.-based DuPage Medical Group has rebranded to Duly Health and Care, the company said Sept. 15.

Surgical Care Affiliates has promoted Oren Shill to group president of its West Coast operating division, the company said Sept. 14.

The global endoscopy equipment market is projected to reach $39.3 billion by 2026, according to MarketsandMarkets.

PartnerCare, a portfolio company of private equity firm Shore Capital Partners, has affiliated with MidSouth Pain Treatment Center, which serves more than 3,000 patients a month at its locations in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Houston-based Harris Health System closed its outpatient clinics Sept. 13 because of tropical storm Nicholas, according to an ABC 13 report. 

The Stark regulations governing pay methodology for ancillary services in group practices will change Jan. 1, prompting some organizations to rewrite their policies.

HHS made $17 billion funds available for physician groups and other healthcare providers that reported revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMS plans to require ASCs to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employees. 

Walter Sytnik, DO, of Voorhees, N.J., admitted Sept. 9 to defrauding his former employer, an unnamed New Jersey medical practice, to the tune of more than $500,000. Dr. Voorhees stole checks from the practice and used them to pay personal expenses.

The ASC industry has seen distinct surgical advancements in specialties such as cardiology and spine, allowing for more procedures to move to the outpatient setting. 

Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente has seen measured ASC growth in the past few years. In 2021, the health system has opened or announced at least three ASCs. 

Physicians spoke with Becker's about several topics this week, including physician shortages and growth opportunities for anesthesiology.

Hospitals and health systems are delaying nonemergent surgeries as COVID-19 continues to surge nationwide. 

Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedics and Zurich American Insurance are locked in a dispute over COVID-19 damages coverage.