ASC News

The value of healthcare private equity deals in 2021 was 378 percent higher than that of 2012, and many executives say that trend is here to stay. 

Here's how five of the biggest ASC chains in the U.S. stack up when comparing the number of physicians, states and locations in their network.

Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare is aiming to expand its ASC presence throughout the state but is facing setbacks from competitors and regulators, according to a March 20 report from the Hartford Business Journal. 

Lawmakers in Oklahoma are pushing for a bill that would allow nurse practitioners to prescribe certain medications without a supervising physician, KXII reported March 15. 

Meridian, Miss.-based physician Gregory Auzenne, MD, pleaded guilty to a federal charge in connection with a $1.5 billion nationwide pain cream fraud scheme, the Clarion Ledger reported March 20. 

The ASC at Hudson, Fla.-based Bonati Spine Institute has been shut down after the state suspended its license, the Tampa Bay Times reported March 17.

At the beginning of March, Julie Wittwer was named chief financial officer at Savannah, Ga.-based Optim Health System, providing services at its ASCs, outreach clinics and hospitals. 

Here are five physicians facing drug charges reported by Becker's since March 6:

Four ASCs nationwide have recently said they will close their doors, switching services to new locations or transitioning to new ownership. Here are seven notes on the closures: 

Lockport, N.Y.-based Eastern Niagara Health System's ASC is set to close its doors on June 17, but it is expected to reopen immediately under Catholic Health management, according to a March 17 report from ABC affiliate WKBW.