Author: Francesca Mathewes

ASC leaders are closely watching several legislative issues as the government shutdown continues into its third week, increasing the potential for delays in CMS’ rulemaking and other administrative processes.  Kara Newbury, chief advocacy officer of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association,…

Iredell Physician Network, a part of Statesville, N.C.-based Iredell Health System, has opened Iredell General Surgery, an ASC. According to an Oct. 20 news release, the practice will be led by Richard Cheek, MD, a general surgeon. Dr. Cheek is…

ASCs have become increasingly popular and heavily utilized by both patients and healthcare providers for a number of reasons, including their ability to offer the same procedures as HOPDs at a lower cost.  Here are 10 numbers demonstrating ASCs cost…

Here are five states where new malpractice legislation has been proposed since Jan. 1, 2025: 1. Florida: State lawmakers have renewed efforts to repeal a 1990 law that restricts families from seeking economic damages in certain medical malpractice cases. The…

Here are five recently forged partnerships in the anesthesia industry, as reported by Becker’s: 1. The American Society of Anesthesiologists partnered with Rivanna, a developer of AI-enabled ultrasound imaging technology, to its Innovator Supporter Program to collaborate on innovations that…

Here are five gastroenterologists making recent Becker’s headlines: 1. Gastroenterologist Patrick Okolo, MD, was appointed chief medical officer of Sonoma Valley Hospital in Sonoma, Calif., according to the hospital’s October 2025 board letter. Dr. Okolo previously served as executive medical…

Northside Hospital Cherokee in Canton, Ga., has broken ground on a new medical office building and outpatient center. According to an Oct. 17 news release, the 150,000-square-foot facility will house numerous services and physician practices, including cardiac care, bariatrics, general…

Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives have reinvigorated efforts to repeal a 1990 law that some say restricts families from seeking economic damages in medical malpractice cases, the Highland News-Sun reported Oct. 17. Here are five takeaways from the…

While the proposed 2026 Medicare physician payment schedule does include several updates to the ambulatory specialty model that the American Medical Association has long advocated for, it said in comments to CMS that there are still several areas in need…

Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health has acquired Rapid Hills, S.D.-based Black Hills Plastic Surgery. According to an Oct. 16 news release, Black Hills Plastic Surgery offers cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as nonsurgical cosmetic treatments.  The physician group…