Author: Patsy Newitt

ASCs leaders across the country are frustrated with the disparity in reimbursements between ASCs and hospital outpatient departments for the same procedures. 

Nearly 1,000 surgeries have been allegedly canceled after Modesto, Calif.-based Doctors Medical Center was cited in June for immediate jeopardy by CMS, according to a July 26 letter from California Assemblymen Heath Flora and Juan Alanis obtained by Becker's. 

ASCs across the country are facing skyrocketing practice costs paired with declines in reimbursements from payers. 

Cardiology is one of the fastest-growing specialties for ASCs, and many leaders feel this growth  will only accelerate as payers, investors and physicians realize the opportunities. 

Here are seven stories involving colonoscopy or colorectal cancer treatment that Becker's as reported on since July 1:

Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare saw outpatient surgery volume decline for the second consecutive quarter because of lower Medicaid and self-pay volumes, executives explained in a July 23 earnings call transcribed by Seeking Alpha.

Cardiology-specific ASCs are faced with new challenges as payers update policies amid these high-acuity procedures' migration to the outpatient setting. 

Cardiology is one of the biggest opportunities for ASC growth as procedures are increasingly approved for the outpatient setting. 

ASCs are a component of St. Louis-based Ascension plans for growth amid a $3 billion operating loss in fiscal 2023. 

Optum, the country's largest employer of physicians and parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, has revealed plans to shutter several clinics so far in 2024.