Author: Francesca Mathewes

ASCs, hospitals, health systems and investment groups have increasingly looked to joint venture partnerships over the past year as a strategy for growing practices and expanding access to care.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based multispecialty physician group Holy Cross Medical Group has named Maggy Perez-Dickens as its new president, DotMed reported Nov. 11.

Sarah Blumenschein, MD, a pediatric cardiologist, died Oct. 25 at age 85, according to a Nov. 10 obituary published by the Houston Chronicle.

Abilene, Texas-based Hendrick Health has embarked upon an expansion project for a new gastroenterology clinic and endoscopy center, Abilene Reporter News reported Nov. 8. 

While ASCs remain largely independent, consolidation is on the rise as the industry's largest chains continue to expand, leaving the state of practice independence in flux.

The ASC industry is largely fragmented, with roughly 68% of ASC facilities operating independently as of 2023, and many operate as small businesses. 

Here are three lawsuits involving noncompete clauses for physicians and ASC leaders to know in 2024, as reported by Becker's: 

Rajesh Patel, MD, a primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Decatur, Ga., was found guilty of sexually assaulting a female patient during routine exams. 

A recent audit of healthcare giant Optum, revealed it may have violated Mississippi law, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported Nov. 8.

The increased range and complexity of services that ASCs offer has opened the door for a new era of collaboration between ASCs and hospitals, both of whom stand to benefit from partnerships.