ASC News

From COVID-19 to CMS removing 255 procedures from the ASC-payable list, ASCs are facing many obstacles in maintaining profitability.

CMS finalized a clarification that hospitals can share space, services or personnel with another healthcare provider, including ASCs, so long as they are independently compliant with CMS regulations, National Law Review reported Nov. 24. 

Rising consumerism, outpatient migration and increased labor costs are adding to the challenges the ASC industry continues to face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

A Kentucky physician must pay more than $567,000 in restitution for his involvement in a referral kickback scheme, according to a Nov. 23 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners received $45 million in a settlement against HIG Capital and Bain Capital Investors over a $760 million acquisition of an ASC in 2017, the parties told Delaware Chancery Court on Nov. 23, according to a Law360…

This year brought many challenges to ASCs nationwide, including COVID-19 infections, vaccination mandates and staffing shortages.

A new complaint was filed with the Florida Department of Health Nov. 1 against John Sampson, MD, alleging the physician performed at least seven surgeries at Seduction Cosmetic Center in Coral Gables, Fla., on June 16 despite not being approved…

St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minn., updated its ASC visitor policy to include new restrictions due to rising COVID-19 positivity rates and case numbers, the hospital said Nov. 20.

A former executive of Indianapolis-based Community Health Network who alleges he was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about a kickback scheme can pursue his case in a federal court, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported Nov. 19. 

CMS issued an emergency regulation Nov. 4 requiring COVID-19 vaccination for staff at healthcare facilities, including ASCs, participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs.