Here are seven things ASC leaders should know for March 6, 2017.
GOP governors aim to keep ACA Medicaid expansion
Several Republican governors are drafting a compromise plan asking their peers in Congress to preserve the ACA's Medicaid expansion. Gov. John Kasich, R-Ohio, and Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., are leading the draft legislation. Gov. Gary Herbert, R-Utah, Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Ariz., and Gov. Bill Haslam, R-Tenn., support the draft legislation.
AMA urges DOJ to refrain from 'politically-driven settlement negotiations' over Anthem-Cigna deal
American Medical Association Executive Vice President and CEO James L. Madara, MD, penned a letter to Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder, illustrating the organization's concern over how the new Republican administration may lead to the DOJ settling with Anthem and Cigna.
Orphan drug sales to jump 11% in 5 years to $209B
Throughout the United States, orphan drug sales continue to soar, greatly outpacing other mediations' sales. London, United Kingdom-based EvaluatePharma, a market research firm, conducted an analysis finding orphan drugs are slated to comprise more than 21 percent of global brand-name prescription drug sales by 2022. The number is a 6 percent increase from 2000.
Trump's CMS nominee Seema Verma set for final vote
The Senate Finance Committee approved President Donald Trump's CMS nominee Seema Verma, setting up a confirmation vote in the full Senate.
Maryland governor declares state of emergency over opioid crisis
Gov. Larry Hogan (R) declared a state of emergency in Maryland due to the state's opioid-addiction epidemic. Gov. Hogan committed an extra $50 million over the next five years to bolster state enforcement, prevention and treatment services.
Patient, provider groups petition Congress to pass Medicare virtual colonoscopy coverage
Major colorectal cancer care advocacy groups are petitioning Congress to pass HR 1298 — the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act.
MSP Commercial gets green light for 24.1k-sq-ft facility housing ASC
The Maple Grove (Minn.) City Council gave Eagen, Minn.-based MSP Commercial approval to build a new facility featuring an ASC.