Leadership

Physician autonomy is top of mind for Vladimir Sinkov, MD, founder and CEO of Las Vegas-based Sinkov Spine Center. 

Even before inflation and the finalized pay cut for 2024 are factored in, Medicare physician payment has effectively declined 26% since 2001, according to the American Medical Association.

Physicians are losing autonomy as the workforce flocks to employed models. 

Operating independently is becoming increasingly difficult, and many leaders feel that having strong leadership and management is the key to maintaining viability. 

Physician leaders are frustrated and concerned about CMS' proposal for a 2.8% conversion factor reduction to its physician fee schedule for 2025. 

Advances in technology and the cost effectiveness of ASCs have made them a fast-growing market.

During a featured session at Becker's 21st Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC +The Future of Spine Conference, Reid Zeising, founder and CEO of Gain, discussed the company's mission, payer trends and complex claims. 

During a featured session at Becker's 21st Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC +The Future of Spine Conference, Brett Spark, president of Aroris Health, discussed challenges and opportunities in payer contracting for ASCs.

As practice costs skyrocket and reimbursements continue to sink, physicians are angered at CMS' proposal to cut physician pay by 2.8%. 

Although the ASC industry is largely fragmented, independence is becoming increasingly difficult as practice costs soar and healthcare consolidates.