Author: Francesca Mathewes

CMS released the 2026 proposed payment rule for hospital outpatient departments and ASCs on July 15. The proposal included the addition of 276 procedures to the covered procedures list for ASCs, including cardiac catheter ablation procedures — a significant point…

By 2036, the U.S. is expected to be facing a shortage of 6,300 anesthesiologists nationwide, according to a white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions published in May.  The shortage is driven by both an exit of anesthesiologists from the industry…

The FDA has announced new requirements for safety labeling on all opioid pain medications that place renewed emphasis on the risks associated with their long-term use. According to a July 31 news release, the changes follow a public advisory committee…

On July 15, CMS issued its proposed rule for its 2026 physician fee schedule, that included a 3.6% bump to physician payments. The overall reimbursement for cardiovascular services is projected to increase by roughly 1% compared to 2025, according to…

As hospitals, health systems, private equity and other investment platforms shift their interest towards outpatient development, ASC leaders are developing their own carefully crafted criteria for potential joint venture partners.  Two ASC leaders recently joined Becker’s to share what they…

Here are 17 new ASCs that were announced, completed or developed in July, as reported by Becker’s:  1. Salisbury, Md.-based TidalHealth broke ground on what will become the system’s largest outpatient facility, which will include an ASC.  2. Miami-based Mount…

Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest anesthesia group practices by number of physicians and their recent activity, based on the most recently available information: 1. Northwell Health Physician Partners:  2. US Anesthesia Partners: 3. Holy Cross Health Physicians 4.…

The growing demand for surgical services and an ongoing shift of procedures from inpatient settings to ambulatory surgery centers is pushing anesthesia providers towards new forms of care delivery and innovation. Shifting care models Nationwide, ASCs are transitioning towards care…

By 2036, the U.S. is expected to face a shortage of 6,300 anesthesiologists, a crisis poised to reshape procedural care delivery. Gavin Baker, CRNA, CEO of New Orleans-based Krewe Anesthesia, said that scheduling is one driver of the shortage that…

While physicians are increasingly shifting towards hospital, health system or private equity-owned practices, the state of independent practice looks different from specialty to specialty. Here’s where independent practice stands across five physician specialties:  Anesthesiology Cardiology Gastroenterology  Ophthalmology Orthopedics