ASC News

Columbia, Mo.-based MU Health Care is restricting visitors to its outpatient clinics starting Nov. 23, the Missourian reports.

Citing an influx of public comments, CMS decided to postpone updating its Overall Hospital Quality ratings in January 2021. 

  Here are seven updates on the COVID-19 vaccine and antibody drug tests from the past week:

Roseburg, Ore.-based Mercy Medical Center will close its outpatient surgery center and convert it into a COVID-19 unit if cases continue to rise in Douglas County, local CBS affiliate KPIC reported Nov. 17.

  Amid surges of COVID-19 and staffing shortages, some hospitals and health systems are working to bolster their workforce.

Envision Healthcare is sending 80 clinicians to two Texas cities facing a surge in COVID-19 patients, the Nashville, Tenn.-based company announced Nov. 17.

Large health systems and community hospitals across the U.S. are postponing elective procedures as COVID-19 cases increase.

With more than 75 percent of surgical procedures already being done at its outpatient surgery center in Lockport, N.Y., Eastern Niagara Hospital plans to discontinue surgery services at its main site, The Buffalo News reported Nov. 12. 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based hospitals Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital reduced elective surgical cases through Nov. 20, local ABC affiliate KCRG.com reports.

  Becker's ASC Review reported on six joint-venture ASCs that were opened or announced in October.