Author: Patsy Newitt

Mark Reinford predicts consolidation amongst big payers and consolidation in fee schedules in the payer market in the next five years. 

OptumCare added more than 5,000 physicians in the first half of 2021. 

ASCs often can struggle to leverage payer contracts in comparison to larger hospitals and health systems. 

Dayton, Ohio-based Kettering Health added 30 beds after closing its surgery center, Dayton Daily News reported July 23. 

An ASC in Baton Rouge, La., was sold for $6.1 million, the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report said July 23. 

ASCs can often offer higher-quality care at lower rates, making it a prime location for direct contracting. 

Medicare Administrative Contractor Palmetto GBA announced that Medicare payments from July 21-22 could be delayed because of a "system processing issue," the company said July 21. 

CMS is seeking input in its quality reporting strategy to better address health inequities in its 2022 payment system rule released July 19.

Here are 12 ophthalmology ASCs opened or announced in 2021, as reported by Becker's ASC Review.

Many ASC leaders consider cardiology procedures the biggest opportunity for growth.