Patsy Newitt

Here are the four biggest deals in February that ASCs need to know:

Plastic surgeons are the happiest physicians outside of work, a Feb. 24 Medscape report found. 

Warren, N.J.-based podiatrist Joel Lerner, MD, admitted to using his medical license to purchase oncology medications to sell for a profit, the Justice Department. 

The American Hospital Association is asking the FTC to withdraw its proposal to ban noncompete agreements. 

Fifty-two percent of hospital physicians would take a pay cut for a better work-life balance, according to Medscape's "Hospitalist Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2023" released Feb. 22. 

Private equity's interest in ASCs and physicians over the last decade has helped spur a migration of procedures to the outpatient setting, and cardiology could be the next target. 

New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is heavily expanding its outpatient portfolio to increase market share, CEO Michael Dowling told Becker's Hospital Review.

In the last few years, Walgreens Boots Alliance has shifted its focus from retail pharmacies to physicians. 

A third of hospital revenue is shifting to ASCs, office-based labs and other outpatient sites, according to JLL's "Healthcare and Medical Office Perspective" report.

Pensacola, Fla.-based Timothy Ramsden, MD, has agreed to settle his alleged violation of the Controlled Substances Act with a $190,731 fine, the Justice Department said Feb. 22.