Here are seven updates:
AAFP implores Congress to expand site-neutral physician payment
AAFP Board Chair Robert Wergin, MD, implored leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to expand the policy of site-neutral payments for physicians. The Obama administration, Congress, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and the GAO recognize the site-neutral payment reform's value as it would control costs without compromising patient quality.
Physicians Endoscopy acquires DeKalb Endoscopy Center
Physicians Endoscopy and DeKalb Gastroenterology Associates' physicians formed a joint venture relationship, which went into effect on Dec. 31, 2015. Physicians Endoscopy acquired a minority interest in Decatur, Ga.-based DeKalb Endoscopy Center.
CMS, payers reach consensus on how to measure physician quality
For the first time, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and America's Health Insurance Plans agreed on how to measure physician quality in seven areas. The new measures are intended to help payers determine the value of care physicians provide, which will dictate payment. The American Medical Association, various medical groups, patient advocacy organizations and the insurance industry applauded the agreement.
Hackers shut down Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center IT systems, demand $3.6M ransom
Hackers forced Hollywood (Calif.) Presbyterian Medical Center's computers offline, demanding $3.6 million before they put the systems back on. The hospital declared an internal emergency as a result.
SCA net revenue reaches $306M in Q4
Surgical Care Affiliates released its fourth quarter and full year results. SCA total net operating revenue increased nearly 24 percent in the fourth of 2015, reaching $305.9 million, compared to $247.2 million during same period of 2014. SCA total net operating revenue increased nearly 24 percent in the fourth of 2015, reaching $305.9 million, compared to $247.2 million during same period of 2014.
Doctors Hospital of Manteca opens $7M ASC
Doctors Hospital of Manteca (Calif.) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new $7 million surgery center last week. The center hosted its first procedure on Feb. 1.
Young patient dies following an outpatient tonsillectomy
On Feb. 12, a nine-year old patient died after undergoing an outpatient tonsillectomy at Milwaukee-based Children's Hospital. The death may have been due to postoperative oxycodone. The medical examiner will test a sample of the medication and will perform a toxicology report.
More healthcare news:
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology names Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis president: 3 notes
Finger Lakes Surgery Center offers facility tours for pediatric patients: 3 notes
California may require physicians on probation to report offenses to patients: 6 takeaways