Here are seven updates:
Teen poses as a physician, practices medicine without license
Following a complaint about a person practicing medicine without a license, police launched an investigation this month into a teen who called himself "Dr. Robinson." The investigation found the teen opened a medical office in West Palm Beach and told patients he was a certified medical physician.
Washington Senate passes legislation protecting outpatient centers from inflation
The Washington Senate passed a bill preventing the state from increasing fees on outpatient surgery centers above the inflation rate. The bill also states outpatient facilities can only be inspected once every 18 months.
DuPage Medical Group buys majority stake in Naperville Surgical Center for $1.7M
DuPage Medical Group plans to acquire majority ownership in Naperville (Ill.) Surgical Center for $1.7 million. The four operating room center is a 51 percent physician-owned and a subsidiary of Advocate Healthcare.
Hackers shut down Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center IT systems, demand $3.6M ransom
After hackers forced Hollywood (Calif.) Presbyterian Medical Center's computer offline, staff declared an internal emergency. The hackers are reportedly seeking more than $17,000 to turn the computer's back on.
Horizon BCBSNJ releases results from Episodes of Care Program
Horizon BCBSNJ released episode of care results for hip replacement, knee replacement, knee arthroscopy, pregnancy and colonoscopy. The payer reported 100 percent fewer hospital readmissions for knee arthroscopy patients and 22 percent fewer hospital readmissions for knee replacement patients. There 37 percent fewer hospital readmissions for hip replacement patients and a 32 percent reduction in unnecessary C-sections.
Centers for Special Surgery in NJ adds spine
Centers for Special Surgery is now offering patients spinal procedures at ASC in Essex County, N.J. The ASC is a joint venture between Quantum International Income and New York City Surgical Associates.
Jury indicts former surgical tech who put 2.9k+ patients at risk
A grand jury indicted Rocky Allen, a Swedish Medical Center former surgical tech who tampered with a syringe containing pain medication. The former tech was indicted on the following charges — tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit.
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