Author: Staff

The outpatient care industry has been active in 2024 with practice closures, clinics changing hands and the development of new centers. 

Nearly 2,000 ASCs are now partnered with a national operator — indicative of a shifting ownership landscape in the outpatient space.

Several health systems and physicians have moved to enter the ASC market in 2024. Amid growing competition, being fiscally savvy has become increasingly important in the outpatient space. 

Osage Beach, Mo.-based Lake Regional Health System has set a $5 million community support goal to fund adding an ASC to its Lebanon (Mo.) campus.

Becker's connected with Nathan Merriman, MD, medical director of gastroenterology and digestive health at Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, to find out what recent change at Intermountain has had the biggest effect on his practice. 

As interest in ASCs grows among physicians, administrators and patients, health systems, corporate entities and private equity groups are venturing into the outpatient surgery sector. 

Medicare Advantage plans have garnered animosity from providers due to the restrictive approval processes for needed services.

The Justice Department charged 193 people, including 76 physicians, for their alleged roles in fraud schemes nationwide.

Here are three updates on the cardiology industry, as reported by Becker's since June 10:

Noncompete clauses have been a divisive issue in healthcare, particularly since the Federal Trade Commission voted to ban the practice earlier this year.