Author: Francesca Mathewes

ASC development has become a strategic imperative for hospitals and health systems as they balance rising costs, value-based payment models and shifting patient expectations.  Here are six hospitals and health systems that opened or developed ASCs in February, as reported…

With gastrointestinal cancers expected to double globally by 2050, driven largely by pancreatic cancer diagnosis and colorectal cancer deaths, CRC is also showing up more frequently in younger populations, adding to the strain.  Adults younger than 65 now account for…

CMS’ addition of 573 codes to the ASC covered procedure list for 2026 has sparked new engagement from ASC leaders interested in expanding service lines, especially for cardiovascular and spine procedures.  The additions include 302 procedures already paid in hospital…

Operational and technology costs comprise a significant chunk of ASCs’ budgets, which means securing favorable contracts with vendors is key to financial sustainability.  Tammy Smittle, RN, BSN, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of Austin, Texas-based Northwest Hills Surgical…

A cardiologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center argued to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that his former employer targeted him after he published an article opposing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Courthouse News Service reported March…

Gastrointestinal cancers are expected to double globally by 2050, according to a new multi-institutional study co-led by Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai, among others.  The authors’ projections are based on 2022 data from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database and the study was published…

ASCs and anesthesia practices are feeling a financial squeeze as reimbursement rates fail to keep pace with rising operational costs.  Here is a look at how CMS’ reimbursement rates for anesthesia have changed over the last five years: 2019 2020…

Cardiology is rapidly developing into a competitive and consolidated landscape as more procedures become approved in the outpatient setting and the demand for cardiovascular services remains high among the U.S. population.  Private equity is a significant driver of these dynamics…

Becker’s reported on seven physician practice and group acquisitions in February as healthcare continues to shift away from independent practice and towards system or investor-backed ownership.  Here are seven physician practice deals during the month of February:  1. Dermatology Partners…

Humana has expanded its cardiac care program through new partnerships with Karoo Health, US Heart and Vascular and Chamber Cardio. The partnership builds on its existing collaboration with CVAUSA’s Novocardia Care Solutions division, according to a March 3 news release.…