Author: Patsy Newitt

Former physician Michael Ligotti was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to surrender his medical license for a $746 million scheme involving substance abuse treatment centers, the U.S. Justice Department said Jan. 9. 

The state approved a new open-heart surgical program at the Chesapeake (Va.) Regional Medical Center after a five year push, The Virginian-Pilot reported Jan. 9. 

Medscape surveyed 744 self-employed physicians for its 2022 "Self-employed Physicians Report" on their experiences.

Here are four new ASC and medical office building projects so far this year: 

Tehachapi, Calif.-based physician Susan Hall, MD, has been placed on a four-year probation following repeated negligent acts, Tehachapi News reported Jan. 7. 

Here are three physician fraud cases so far this year:

Montana health systems and hospitals are being crushed by anesthesiologist shortages, but anesthesiologists are still opposed to integrating certified registered nurse anesthetists into health systems, Billings Gazette reported Jan. 6. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee has ended its relationship with Memphis-based Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and two ASCs are affected, local ABC affiliate ABC24 reported Jan. 5. 

Hospitals and health systems faced formidable margin declines in 2022 amid labor shortages, skyrocketing operating costs and declining inpatient volumes. 

The No Surprises Act, aimed to protect patients against balance billing and create cost transparency, took effect Jan. 1, 2022, and the law has shifted how many physicians and ASCs provide care.