Patsy Newitt

As physicians and ASCs face increasing obstacles in securing reimbursements from insurance companies, many are looking to direct-pay or cash models to cut out the need for payers. 

Employed physicians have reported higher levels of burnout, anger and anxiety compared to independent physicians, according to a recent Physicians Foundation survey. 

Here are five controversies involving ASC closures, lawsuits or false claims allegations that Becker's has reported on since Aug. 23:

More than half of independent physicians said mergers and acquisitions have negatively affected their job satisfaction, according to a recent Physicians Foundation survey. 

More independent and older physicians reported experiencing a reduction in income in the last year than employed physicians, according to a recent Physicians Foundation survey. 

An Alexandria, La.-based physician has been charged for his role in a $32.7 million Medicare fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing services. 

Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare is looking to outpatient and ASC strategy to drive growth. 

HHS is expected to issue a final rule amending aspects of HIPAA later this year, and Bellinger Moody, chief compliance officer of Coronis Health, laid out the key aspects to know in a Sept. 4 blog post.

The sentencing for an Raynaldo Ortiz Jr., MD, a former anesthesiologist at Baylor Scott & White Surgicare North Dallas who is accused of tampering with IV bags, has been delayed for the fourth time, CBS News Texas reported Sept. 18. 

Physician-owned hospitals have garnered growing attention as rural healthcare access faces worsening shortages and critical gaps in services.