The past 30 to 60 days have been extremely challenging for entrepreneurial healthcare and for ASCs. First, there was the release of the proposed final rule and payment plan for ASCs. Second, the House of Representatives, as part of the SCHIP bill, included language that would eliminate physician ownership of hospitals and grandfather in only existing hospitals as of the legislation’s introductory date. In other words, there would be no grandfathering for hospitals under construction. Third, the stock market has finally started to falter a bit. This has resulted from an excess use of leverage in different parts of the economy. Each of these things ultimately has a negative impact on entrepreneurial healthcare.
Typically, after a relatively negative cycle, the tide starts to turn. This usually ends up creating an abundance of opportunities in the healthcare business marketplace. We would expect for those who are paying close attention that those challenges may lead, in the next 12 to 18 months, to provide that kind of opportunity. This issue of Becker’s ASC Review covers a variety of interesting issues, including an article on building a surgery center, an article related to amending an operating agreement, discussion of the Stark Act and a discussion of the CMS proposed and final rules for surgery centers.
We are expecting an exceptional event on improving profitability for ASCs at our 14th Annual Fall Conference, held Oct. 18 to 20 in Chicago. The conference will be held in connection with FASA. We expect outstanding attendance, and it is at the terrific Westin Hotel. Visit www.Beckersasc.com for a brochure. Call (703) 836-5904 to register. Attendance is limited; exhibit space is fully sold out.
The Becker’s ASC Review has taken another step toward significant improvement over the last few issues. We are delighted with the way in which both readers and advertisers have taken to the Becker’s ASC Review. We are seeing an increase in advertising in large part due to the increase in the professionalism of the efforts. We are extremely thankful to our advertisers, which includes a broad mix of companies that supply different products and equipment to surgery centers, and financial services as well as finance and development firms. It is truly an exceptional group. Should you have an interest in ever advertising in the ASC Review, please contact me at (800) 417-2035 and we would be delighted to put you in touch with the right representative;
or feel free to directly contact Grace Boyles at Blue House at (202) 337-5739 or grace@bluehouse.us, or Jessica Cole at (312) 505-9387 or jessica@beckerasc.com.
ASC Communications is in the process of examining and adding special issues as well as looking at additional market niches, including items relative to a publication for ortho-spine medical devices and a publication for hospitals. Should you have an interest or feedback on the concepts behind either of these publications please feel free to contact me at (312) 750-6016.
We look forward to speaking with you shortly.
