Here are seven updates for ASC leaders to note:
Trump delays CMS bundles implementation by 60 days
President Donald Trump pushed back the implementation of CMS' bundled payments models by 60 days. In September 2016, Dr. Price wrote a letter saying Medicare has surpassed its power through mandating bundled payments, which takes decision-making power away from providers and patients.
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians' future ASC plans on hold for now
Nearly three years ago, North Charleston, S.C.-based Palmetto Primary Care Physicians, an outpatient physicians group, filed plans to open a $22.8 million facility featuring an ASC. However, those plans failed to come to fruition as the group removed their certificate-of-need application to affiliate with a partner. A spokesperson said Palmetto Primary Care Physicians will make a decision concerning the surgery center's future plans at a later date.
Orthopedic-driven surgery center inches closer to final approval
Developers are awaiting final approval from the Auburn (N.H.) Planning Board to build the Access Ambulatory Medical in Auburn. The proposed surgery center will mainly offer orthopedic services and various otolaryngology surgeries.
Texas Health Surgery Center reopens, starts offering knee replacements
Cleburne-based Texas Health Surgery Center commemorated its 10-year anniversary with a reopening and open house. Texas Health Surgery Center is adding knee replacements to its repertoire of offerings.
Healthcare data breaches up 40% in 2016
An Identity Theft Resource Center report found healthcare data breaches are up 40 percent in 2016, compared to the year prior. The organization reported there were 376 healthcare breaches last year, compromising 15.9 million patient records.
CDC: 2016-2017 flu vaccine offers moderate protection
The CDC report found this year's flu vaccine lowers a person's risk of contracting the flu and needing to see a provider by 48 percent. In the week ending Feb. 11, 2017, the CDC reported nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths which bring this year's total number to 29 pediatric flu deaths so far.
DOJ, US House file joint motion to delay ACA subsidy lawsuit
The U.S. House of Representatives and the Department of Justice jointly filed a motion granting them more time to decide if they want to continue pursuing a lawsuit against the ACA's cost-sharing subsidies.