Patsy Newitt

Some gastroenterology leaders say consolidation is the only way for many practices to survive as operating costs soar and margins tighten.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has filed a suit against Gulf Breeze, Fla.-based OB-GYN Elaine Sharp, MD, alleging she was overprescribing controlled substances to her patients, the Pensacola News Journal reported July 19. 

Here are 16 physician kickback suits Becker's  has reported on in 2023 that totaled more than $180 million in either restitution or cost of the fraud scheme:

Chicago physician Eliza Diaconescu, MD, has been sentenced to prison for prescribing opioids to patients without an exam and then billing for the purported treatment, the U.S. Justice Department said July 17. 

Medical staffing company American Physician Partners is closing and will transition to its hospital contracts. 

Plastic surgeon Boris Bergus, MD, has surrendered his license following several alleged violations, including prescribing medications with a suspended license and storing expired medications, Providence Business News reported July 18. 

Anesthesia reimbursement denials are on the upward swing, according to a June 26 blog post from Rita Astani, president of anesthesia for Coronis Health. 

As private equity increasingly invests in ASCs and physician groups, some leaders are concerned about its effect on patient outcomes and costs. 

Two ASC leaders joined Becker's to discuss the healthcare trends they are eyeing. 

UnitedHealth's new site-of-service policy is in part driven by the cost savings incurred by ASCs, executives said in a July 14 second-quarter earnings call transcribed by Seeking Alpha.