Patsy Newitt

Two major gastroenterology organizations have criticized CMS' proposal to cut physician pay 2.8% in its physician fee schedule for 2025. 

In July 2023, medical staffing company American Physician Partners announced that it would close and transition its hospital contracts.

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, two of the country's largest dialysis providers, over allegations their noncompete clauses illegally stifle smaller competitors, Politico reported July 13. 

Along with a 2.8% physician pay cut, CMS is floating several changes to colorectal cancer screening policy in its proposed payment system for 2025, according to a July 12 news release from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Operating independently is becoming increasingly difficult, and many leaders feel that having strong leadership and management is the key to maintaining viability. 

Here are seven lawsuits involving kickback allegations from the last month, as reported by Becker's. 

Hospitals continue to look to ASCs as outpatient surgery becomes more popular and the need to cut costs grows. 

John Oxendine, a former Georgia insurance commissioner, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for his role in a healthcare fraud scheme involving ENT clinics. 

Optum earned $62.9 billion in total revenue in the second quarter of 2024 — an increase of 11.7% year over year, according to the company's financial report. 

Physician leaders are frustrated and concerned about CMS' proposal for a 2.8% conversion factor reduction to its physician fee schedule for 2025.