Leadership

 As physicians face high inflation rates and skyrocketing practice costs, many feel Medicare pay is insufficient. 

Independent ASCs are facing major obstacles amid increasing healthcare consolidation and shifting payer behavior. 

Here are five leadership moves in 2024 by former or current employees of Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health:

The three highest-paid executives of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare saw a rise in both base salary and total compensation.

The highest-paid executives of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, parent company of ASC chain United Surgical Partners International, saw a base salary jump but a total compensation decline.

ASCs and hospitals in many markets have a complicated relationship, with some hospitals opposing surgery centers despite looking to invest in their own centers.

Physicians trying to open ASCs in many markets face opposition from hospital leaders when trying to obtain a certificate-of-need. 

The Wall Street Journal named one health system CEO in its ranking of S&P 500 CEO pay released May 21.

Five physician leaders joined Becker's to discuss how satisfied they are with their current pay and what they'd like to see change.  

Physicians continue to migrate to employed models as private practice costs rise.