Here are seven updates:
CMS proposes 1.2% payment increase & 7 new quality reporting measures in 2017 for ASCs
CMS released its 2017 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule, which aims to enhance Medicare patients' quality of care. Based on the policy changes in the proposed rule, CMS projects ASC payments would increase 1.2 percent. The seven measures are: ASC-13: Normothermia Outcome, ASC-14: Unplanned Anterior Vitrectomy and ASC-15(a-e), which includes five measures collected using the Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.
Yearlong investigation finds 2.4k+ physicians sanctioned for sexually abusing patients
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution conducted a yearlong investigation which found more than 2,400 U.S. physicians were sanctioned for sexually abusing their patients. AJC's investigation found state medical boards permitted more than 50 percent of the sanctioned physicians to keep their licenses, despite the accusations being proven true.
Illinois regulator signs order to prevent co-op from paying government
Illinois Department of Insurance Acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling issued an order requesting Land of Lincoln Health, the state co-op, not pay the federal government until the government gives the co-op money owed under the risk-corridor program. Land of Lincoln Health maintains the government owes the co-op almost $73 million under the Affordable Care Act's risk-corridor program.
Physicians Endoscopy, Gastroenterology Consultants of Augusta physicians open Augusta Endoscopy Center
Physicians Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Associates opened the ASC on May 23. The new facility, equipped with three rooms, will accommodate growing demand for GI services.
Physician dies following attack by patient at Dallas hospital
A patient at 144-bed Timberlawn Mental Health System in Dallas has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a physician he assaulted. The patient attacked Ruth Anne Mardock, MD, Thursday afternoon after Mr. Cason was told he would be transferred to another facility. The patient tackled Dr. Mardock in the hallway outside his room. During the confrontation, which was caught on video, the physician's head hit the floor and she lost consciousness, according to the police documents.
Regent Surgical Health appoints Christopher Stine corporate compliance officer
In his new role, Mr. Stine will work to make sure the company's compliance program adheres to federal and state guidelines. He will also maintain and monitor Regent's compliance program. Mr. Stine served as one of Regent's purchasing managers prior to his role as compliance officer.
Global endoscopy devices market to reach $36.5B by 2022
The market was valued at $22.6 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $36.5 billion by 2022. The growing incidence of gastrointestinal conditions and colon cancer as well as the high demand for minimally invasive surgeries will spur the market's growth.
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