Here are seven updates for ASC leaders to know:
Outpatient rotator cuff repairs increase 272% in a decade — 5 facts
A recent article in Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found between 1996 and 2006, there was a 272 percent population-adjusted increase in outpatient rotator cuff repairs. The rate of complications and adverse events following orthopedic surgery performed at an ASC ranges from 0.05 percent to 20 percent.
Dr. Toby Cosgrove withdraws name for Trump's VA spot
Toby Cosgrove, MD, CEO of Cleveland Clinic, withdrew his name to head the Department of Veterans Affairs under President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Fox News reports a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson told CNN while Dr. Cosgrove wanted to fill the position, he opted to remain at the Cleveland Clinic to see through several "high-profile ongoing projects."
The Everett Clinic to open $10M surgery center, urgent care clinic
The Everett Clinic is opening a new surgery center and urgent care walk-in clinic in Edmonds, Wash. The surgery center and clinic's opening falls in line with Everett Clinic's expansion goals following its merger with Denver-based DaVita Healthcare last year. The project will cost $10 million.
UnitedHealthcare, FitBit team up on wellness program
Hopkins, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare is now including the FitBit Charge 2 device in the UnitedHealthcare Motion's wellness program. Through the deal, UnitedHealthcare Motion participants can use the device to earn up to $1,500 in Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Account credits annually.
Attorneys make final arguments over Aetna, Humana deal
Last week, Department of Justice as well as Aetna and Humana attorneys made final arguments before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates. DOJ attorneys said the $37 billion deal would serve to Medicare Advantage senior consumer's detriment with the DOJ attorney saying maintaining competition in the MA market is vitally important. Aetna and Humana attorneys said the Medicare Advantage market and original Medicare market are alternatives and seniors can freely move between them. Throughout the final arguments, Judge Bates asked both parties to define the marketplaces' ins and outs.
Envision Healthcare Corp. expands in Arizona through Oro Valley Anesthesia acquisition
Colorado-based Envision Healthcare Corp.'s physician services division acquired Tucson, Ariz.-based Oro Valley Anesthesia. Oro Valley Anesthesia provides patient care at eight ASCs as well as two hospitals throughout Tucson. Over the past few years, Envision strengthened its presence throughout the state by acquiring anesthesia, neonatal and emergency medicine physician groups.
Healthcare stocks start out 2017 with strong gains
On 2017's first trading day in the United States, healthcare company stocks are creeping up. These gains reflect a contrast to last year, with the S&P 500's healthcare index falling 4 percent in 2016.