Here are seven updates:
Antitrust cases against Anthem's proposed Cigna merger inches closer
In almost a week, the trial over Indianapolis-based Anthem's proposed purchase of Cigna, based in Bloomfield, Conn., will go to trial. Antitrust regulators argue the judge should rule the merger is illegal if that merger raises the market share for the combined company in an existing concentrated market. Anthem claims its merger would rein in costs for providers, which will also fare well for consumers.
SCA partners with Surgical Center of Connecticut & River Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center
Deerfield, Ill.-based Surgical Care Affiliates partnered with Surgical Center of Connecticut in Bridgeport and Norwich, Conn.-based River Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center, thereby expanding its presence in the state to six locations. Both surgery centers' physician partners will jointly own the facilities with SCA.
Silver Cross Hospital receives board approval for $11M ASC
The New Lenox (Ill.) Village Board gave Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox approval to build its ASC. Silver Cross Hospital expects the ASC to cost $11 million.
FDA commissioner urges industry to improve information sharing practices
FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, emphasized the importance of information sharing in the healthcare industry at the American Heart Association's Scientific Session on Nov. 13, 2016. He noted that lack of technology served as a barrier to information sharing back when he first started practicing, but today, "the limiting factor of progress is us."
HAIs testing market to surge to $2.8B by 2025
Over the next nine years, the hospital-acquired infection testing market is projected to substantially expand. The market is expected to hit $2.75 billion by 2025, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 19.1 percent.
Medicare releases data on costliest prescription medicines in 2015
Gilead Sciences' hepatitis C treatment Harvoni cost Medicare $7.03 billion last year, making the drug the priciest on Medicare's list. Medicare spent $153 million on Valeant Pharmaceuticals International's diabetes drug Glumetza, up 381 percent from 2014. In 2014, Medicare officials stated the agency's Part D program received $16.3 billion in rebates on brand-name drugs, which constituted 17.5 percent of gross spending.
Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers opens Minimus Institute
Monterey (Calif.) Peninsula Surgery Centers, a network of outpatient surgery organizations, opened Minimus Institute in Monterey. With the addition of Minimus Institute, Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers will become a national surgery referral center that offers patients care in a concierge setting. Minimus Institute will offer patients transparent pricing, patient satisfaction scores and outcome information.