Patsy Newitt

The ASC industry is historically fragmented, but slowly consolidating as practice costs soar. 

Family medicine physician Gustaco Villarreal, MD, will close his practice in Laredo, Texas, on Nov. 1, Laredo Morning Times reported Sept. 20. 

Optum is the parent company of Deerfield, Ill.-based ASC chain SCA Health, which has a portfolio of more than 320 ASCs and 9,200 physicians. 

Retail giant Amazon continues to expand into healthcare, emerging as a significant disruptor in the industry and a key player to watch.

ASCs are facing rising challenges with Medicare Advantage plans, including escalating implant costs, frequent reimbursement denials and increasing administrative hurdles that complicate patient care and financial stability.

Thirty six percent of physicians above the age of 46 experienced a pay cut in the last year, according to a recent Physicians Foundation survey. 

Five ASC leaders joined Becker's to discuss the future of ASCs. 

From site-neutral payment reform to consolidation, four ASC leaders joined Becker's to discuss the market trends shaping the ASC industry. 

OptumCare, based in Basking Ridge, N.J., is set to lay off 160 employees, according to a WARN notice posted on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website. 

Hospitals continue to look to ASCs for growth opportunities as they face mounting financial pressures and struggle to maintain operating margins."