Here are seven news updates for ambulatory surgery center leaders to know for Nov. 3, 2014.
John Locke Foundation hosts CON lecture.
The John Lock Foundation, a political organization in North Carolina, has hosted a lecture on that state's certificate of need law on healthcare organizations. While CON laws reduce the supply of healthcare providers, providing both drawbacks and benefits, the JLF is concerned that with the influx of insured individuals under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the supply of healthcare providers will be inadequate.
Nontraded REITs down 18%.
Nontraded real estate investment trusts are down 18 percent from this time last year. While investors have historically been attracted to nontraded REITs because of their higher dividends, this year, the trusts are having a hard time turning a profit for investors. The decline is so dramatic that many financial advisors are no longer recommending nontraded REITs as a viable asset management strategy.
Vitals acquires price transparency company.
Vitals, a physician rating platform, has acquired the price transparency company Compass Healthcare Advisers. Compass Healthcare Advisers' price transparency platform uses data from health plans and employers. With the acquisition, Vitals' rating system will be combined with the price transparency platform.
ACOs drive patient satisfaction improvements, study says.
Accountable care organization patients reported greater satisfaction with some aspects of their care after one year in the program. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Southeastern Health Park ASC hosts open house.
Southeastern Health Park held an open house at its newly opened surgery center in Lumberton, N.C. The center is part of an 80,000-square-foot, $22 million medical building, which includes a surgery center, a pharmacy and physician offices.
MEDNAX acquires Georgia anesthesia group.
MEDNAX signed a definitive agreement to acquire The NEXus Medical Group and its subsidiary, Meridian Anesthesia Consultants, in Macon, Ga. The NEXus Medical Group includes 64 full-time anesthesia providers and six other clinical and administrative staff, who will become part of MEDNAX's American Anesthesiology division.
National Nurses United plan nationwide strikes over Ebola prep.
Members of National Nurses United in 12 states and Washington, D.C., plan to picket or strike Nov. 12 as the union seeks stronger Ebola safety precautions in hospitals. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.