Here are seven updates:
St. Elizabeth Healthcare to testify against Christ Hospital's $24M ASC
Edgewood, Ky.-based St. Elizabeth Healthcare CEO Garren Colvin said the provider is filing a state hearing with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to fight Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital's plan to build a $24 million ambulatory surgery center. With nine ASCs already serving North Kentucky residents, Mr. Colvin said there is no need for an additional center and argues it will only "add to the cost of the healthcare system." Vic Dipilla, Christ Hospital's chief business development officer, said marketplace competition would lower healthcare costs while spurring innovation and enhanced clinical outcomes.
UnitedHealth to leave California ACA exchange; will offer plans in 6 states
Earlier this week, California officials stated UnitedHealth was leaving the state marketplace, leaving 1,200 Californians to find new policies. UnitedHealth Group reported it filed paperwork to offer insurance plans in merely six state Affordable Care Act marketplaces in 2017. In its filing, the company said it plans to offer On-Exchange products in Nevada, New York and Nevada next year. Harken Health, UnitedHealth Group's subsidiary, will sell plans in Florida, Illinois and Georgia on a "limited basis."
Former surgical tech tests HIV positive; compromises 1.5k patients
A former surgical technician who allegedly stole painkiller syringes tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, putting nearly 1,500 patients who underwent surgery at risk. Officials are concerned Mr. Allen had replaced needles he already used with needles intended for patients undergoing surgery. There are currently no reports of patients becoming infected due to Mr. Allen.
Forbes: Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes now worth nothing, company worth $800M
Forbes revised its estimated net worth of Theranos Founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes, to $0 from $4.5 billion, removing her from the No. 1 spot on its list of "America's Richest Self-Made Women." Theranos is facing investigations and lawsuits, with insider information revealing Theranos revenues are less than $100 million. Forbes lowered Theranos' estimated net worth to $800 million from $9 billion.
Patient claims self defense in choking, death of roommate at Mount Sinai in Miami Beach
Police found 55-year-old Alejandro Ortega dead in the bathroom of his room at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Fla., on Saturday. Around the corner from the room is a TV lounge, where police said they found Mr. Ortega's roommate, 23-year-old Andre Brown. When Mr. Brown saw the officers, police said he put his hands behind his back and said, "It was self defense. I had to do it." Police arrested Mr. Brown and charged him with second-degree murder. Police found Mr. Brown had an outstanding warrant on drug charges.
BCBS of Texas requests 60% price hike
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas submitted a filing to federal regulators, seeking increases between 57.3 percent and 59.4 percent for its individual market plans. In 2014, the payer said it lost $416 million, with that figure increasing to $592 million the next year.
Autopsy reveals Prince accidentally overdosed on opioids
An autopsy revealed musician Prince died from an accidental opioid overdose on April 21. The autopsy found Prince died from overdosing on the painkiller, fentanyl. The report notes he administered the drug, himself, but that it is unclear when Prince took the drug.
More healthcare news:
18 statistics on ASC revenue per case for orthopedics
Former surgical tech tests HIV positive; compromises 1.5k patients: 5 key points
4 business principles physicians can integrate into practice