January/February 2022 Issue of Becker's ASC Review
ON THE COVER
15 of the most expensive ASC projects of 2021
The ambulatory surgery space has been active with new construction in 2021. Here are 15 of the most expensive, strictly outpatient projects this year:
What ASCs can expect more of in 2022
ASCs are in a great position to take advantage of high quality, low cost care trends next year. But they will face the same challenges as other companies when it comes to supply chain and staffing shortages.
15 details on USPI's $1.2B acquisition of SurgCenter
Dallas-based United Surgical Partners International, a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare, on Nov. 8 announced its plan to acquire SurgCenter Development for about $1.2 billion by the year's end.
Leapfrog recognizes 13 ASCs with patient care excellence award
The Leapfrog Group released its first ever award for excellence in patient care to ASCs Nov. 30.
Physicians get temporary reprieve from Medicare pay cuts
Physicians faced a Medicare pay cut next year of about 9 percent before President Joe Biden signed a bill Dec. 10 temporarily averting the cuts.
The biggest trends 3 ASC CEOs are following
Recruiting and retaining staff amid a nationwide healthcare workforce shortage and finding ways to capitalize on the shift to outpatient are among the top priorities for ASC administrators in 2022.
Orthopedic surgeon, ASC owner runs for U.S. House
Al Olszewski, MD, orthopedic surgeon and ASC owner, is running for a Montana congressional seat, the Helena Independent Record reported Nov. 23.
How HCA is fueling its outpatient growth: 5 notes
Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare reported strong growth in outpatient revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2021.
Andrews Ambulatory Surgery to build 1st 3 ASC projects in Florida
Andrews Ambulatory Surgery, the newly formed joint venture ASC company led by orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, MD, is building its first three ASCs in Northeast Florida, according to a Nov. 3 news release.
Nursing landscape: 11 statistics making ASC execs nervous
Recruiting and retaining great nursing staff are challenges for many surgery centers and hospitals across the U.S.
ASC MANAGEMENT
What ASCs can expect more of in 2022
ASCs are in a great position to take advantage of high quality, low cost care trends next year. But they will face the same challenges as other companies when it comes to supply chain and staffing shortages.
Physicians get temporary reprieve from Medicare pay cuts
Physicians faced a Medicare pay cut next year of about 9 percent before President Joe Biden signed a bill Dec. 10 temporarily averting the cuts.
20 anesthesia partnerships with ASCs, health systems in 2021
Melville, N.Y.-based North American Partners in Anesthesia and Irving, Texas-based NorthStar Anesthesia formed the most health system and ASC partnerships in 2021, with eight apiece.
How HCA is fueling its outpatient growth: 5 notes
Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare reported strong growth in outpatient revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2021.
The biggest trends 3 ASC CEOs are following
Recruiting and retaining staff amid a nationwide healthcare workforce shortage and finding ways to capitalize on the shift to outpatient are among the top priorities for ASC administrators in 2022.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Consumerism, labor costs & more: The ASC industry's biggest disrupters
Rising consumerism, outpatient migration and increased labor costs are adding to the challenges the ASC industry continues to face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Physician vs. healthcare CEO pay: 5 notes
Healthcare executives and surgeons are often cited as the highest paid people in healthcare, but how do their salaries compare?
The obstacles ASCs face with private payers
Nine ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review about the biggest obstacles they face with private payers, from implant costs to declining reimbursements.
'I don’t see much positive': ASC leaders on Biden's 1st year
Four ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review on how President Joe Biden's administration has affected ASCs in the last year.
CMS finalizes 2022 rules with 255 procedures removed from ASC-payable list
CMS on Nov. 2 finalized the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and ASC Payment System final rule for 2022.
JOINT VENTURES
ValueHealth, Florida health system launch joint venture, plan 2 ASCS
ValueHealth and NCH Healthcare System are launching a joint venture to expand access to value-based outpatient surgical care in Southwest Florida, ValueHealth said Dec. 9.
16 physicians, Alabama health system open ASC in $33.7M facility
East Alabama Health and a group of 16 local physicians have opened an ASC to patients in Auburn, Ala., the health system said Nov. 30.
USPI surgery center kicks off total joint program
Effingham (Ill.) Ambulatory Surgery Center has launched an outpatient total joint replacement program, making it the only freestanding facility to offer this service within 60 miles of the city, according to Effingham Radio.
Joint venture ASC planned in Oregon
Willamette Surgery Center and Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics are joining forces for an ASC, the companies said Nov. 10.
Florida ASC faces continued opposition from hospital
At a Dec. 7 city commissioners' meeting, officials from Jackson Hospital in Marianna, Fla., protested the city's proposed incentives for the Tallahassee Orthopedic Center to open an outpatient facility there, ABC affiliate WMBB reported Dec. 8.
ORTHOPEDICS
11 milestones for ASC spinal surgery in 2021
Samuel Joseph, MD, performed two different milestone spine procedures covered by Becker's ASC Review this year.
Former anesthesiologist pleads guilty in death of orthopedic surgeon
A former anesthesiologist on Dec. 3 pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter of an orthopedist who had surgery at Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery Center in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 2017, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Orthopedic surgeon, ASC owner runs for U.S. House
Al Olszewski, MD, orthopedic surgeon and ASC owner, is running for a Montana congressional seat, the Helena Independent Record reported Nov. 23.
Rothman Orthopaedics' Florida, West Coast expansions & more: Q&A with Dr. Alex Vaccaro
The shrinking pool of independent physicians is contributing to rising costs in care for patients, while low reimbursement from CMS is placing an increasing burden on providers, according to Alex Vaccaro, MD, PhD.
Georgia's largest orthopedic group lands private equity deal: 9 transactions in 2021
The largest physician-owned orthopedic group in Georgia secured investment from a private equity firm Dec. 9, among a growing number of independent practices this year that looked for new ways to expand in a challenging healthcare environment.
GASTROENTROLOGY
What will gastroenterology look like in 10 years?
Five leaders in gastroenterology joined Becker's to discuss what they think the profession will look like in 2031.
North Carolina endoscopy unit wins ASGE certificate in recognition of quality
Seven-physician Gastroenterology Associates Endoscopy Unit in Hickory, N.C. was recognized for quality by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the Hickory Daily Record reported Dec. 12.
Amid growth, consolidation, Gastro Health pledges to stay patient-focused
Gastro Health is ending 2021 strong — acquiring four practices in Florida and Ohio since Sept. 1.
Big gastroenterology groups get bigger: 5 interesting deals in 2021
Here are five of the most interesting acquisitions in gastroenterology this year:
Medtronic's AI colonoscopy system OK'd in Canada
Medtronic received a Health Canada license for GI Genius, its artificial intelligence endoscopy system, the company said Nov. 30.
TRANSACTIONS
15 details on USPI's $1.2B acquisition of SurgCenter
Dallas-based United Surgical Partners International, a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare, on Nov. 8 announced its plan to acquire SurgCenter Development for about $1.2 billion by the year's end.
Retina Consultants of America acquires 19th practice in 2 years
Retina Consultants of America has added Mississippi Retina Associates to its network, the Southlake, Texas-based management services organization said Dec. 13.
Florida ASC facility sells for $19.7M
The buildings housing Plaza Surgery Center and a medical office in Jacksonville, Fla., sold for $19.7 million to Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate of Pensacola (Fla.).
Surgery Partners wins $45M in settlement over $760M ASC acquisition
Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners received $45 million in a settlement against HIG Capital and Bain Capital Investors over a $760 million acquisition of an ASC in 2017, the parties told Delaware Chancery Court on Nov. 23, according to a Law360 report.
US Eye completes North Carolina acquisition
Sarasota, Fla.-based multispecialty practice US Eye has expanded into North Carolina with the closing of its acquisition of Elizabeth City, N.C.-based Albemarle Eye Center and Precision Eye Care, according to a Dec. 9 Chowan Herald report.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Walmart's key healthcare moves in 2021: A timeline
Throughout 2021, Walmart has made key expansions into healthcare, especially within the telehealth space. It has also faced issues from the fallout of the opioid crisis lawsuit.
Healthcare deals increased by 56% in 2021, report finds
Healthcare deal volumes grew by 56 percent in the 12 months through Nov. 15 compared with the same period in 2020, especially in physician medical groups, managed care and rehabilitation subsectors, a recent PwC report found.
Massachusetts physician indicted in $37M telemedicine kickback scheme
A Massachusetts physician and three others have been indicted in an alleged seven-year, $37 million telemedicine fraud and kickback scheme, the Justice Department said Dec. 10.
Physicians in hospital-owned practices often earn less than those who are independent, study finds
Physician-owned practices acquired by hospitals from 2014-18 led to those physicians earning income that was 0.8 percent lower on average than those who remained independent, a December Health Affairs study found.
CVS Health wants to add specialty services, buy more primary care groups
CVS Health is planning to acquire more primary care practices in the coming year and eventually expand specialty services at its clinics, Alan Lotvin, MD, CVS Health executive vice president and president of CVS Caremark, said during a Dec. 9 investor's call.