California ASC anesthesiologist charged with murder to face judge
California anesthesiologist Stephen Kyosung Kim, MD, went before a judge March 20 to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Dr. Kim allegedly sedated a patient and then gave him a lethal dose of Demerol while he was in recovery from a procedure at Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery Center Sept. 26, 2017.
Wills Eye appeals to change classification from ASC to hospital
Philadelphia-based Wills Eye Institute went to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in its battle to qualify as a hospital under Medicare rules. Qualifying as a hospital would allow Wills to receive greater Medicare reimbursements, and Wills’ ASC status prevents it from performing certain complex procedures.
Berkshire Medical Center opens new endoscopy center
Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Medical Center opened a new endoscopy center on its main campus, combining its ambulatory and inpatient offerings under one roof. The center will see 7,000 patients annually.
HCA appoints Dr. Ravi Chari president of West Florida division
Ravi Chari, MD, will take over as president of HCA’s West Florida division beginning May 1. Dr. Chari succeeds 40-year industry veteran Peter Marmerstein, who is retiring. Mr. Marmerstein became West Florida division president in 2012.
4 Washington independent practices form the state’s largest independent practice
Four independent gastroenterology groups in Western Washington merged to form Washington Gastroenterology. The combined practice features more than 40 gastroenterologists and 20 non-physician providers, with several ambulatory endoscopy centers.
Private equity firm’s ophthalmology practice management services organization, acquires 3 practices
LLR Partners formed Eye Health America — an ophthalmology practice management services organization — and acquired two ophthalmology practices and an ASC: Bradenton, Fla.-based The Eye Associates, Clemson (S.C.) Eye and Greenville, S.C.-based Piedmont Surgery Center.
UnitedHealth takes aim at Envision’s ER billing practices through new website
A website launched by UnitedHealth is the latest in a series of disputes with Envision. The site links to a fact sheet claiming Envision charged on average 975 percent more than what Medicare pays for the same service. The sheet also says UnitedHealth is negotiating a new contract with Envision to bring the company’s providers in network.
More articles on improving performance:
7 things for ASC leaders to know for Monday — March 19, 2018
Wills Eye appeals to change classification from ASC to hospital: 4 things to know
Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery adds Dr. Scott Deckelbaum — 4 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.