Patsy Newitt

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.  

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Apricus Health is opening the Surgery Center of Avondale (Ariz.), according to a July 21 LinkedIn post. 

Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio sold an ASC and multiple medical office buildings, San Antonio Business Journal reported July 22. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, infection levels and the increase in CMS outpatient procedure approval has left the ASC industry prime for growth. 

GI Alliance expanded to Utah, Colorado and Illinois in the past month.