Here are seven updates for ASC leaders to note from the past week:
NC hospital executives speak out after CON repeal bill passes state Senate
The North Carolina Senate passed a budget proposal including an amendment to repeal the state's certificate-of-need laws, drawing criticism from hospital groups. Jeffrey Sackrison, president of Windsor, N.C.-based Vidant Bertie Hospital and Edenton, N.C.-based Vidant Chowan Hospital, said repealing the legislation will not lower costs, which proponents are claiming.
Laser Spine Institute Cleveland ASC welcomes new spine surgeon
Brad M. Picha, MD, joined Laser Spine Institute's Cleveland ASC. Dr. Picha is an Ohio native who completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
UnitedHealth to shut down Harken Health
UnitedHealth Group is shutting down its Harken Health subsidiary. Harken Health lost $63.7 million in 2016. UnitedHealth Group invested $160 million into the company.
Wisconsin surgery center closes after threat
Franklin, Wis.-based Aurora Surgical Center closed on May 17 after a woman called the facility threatening harm. The police are investigating the case, but said they had a suspect in mind. The center reopened on May 17.
Physician-owned hospital bill introduced in Senate
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., introduced legislation in the Senate to improve access to physician-led hospitals. The Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2017 would repeal the moratorium on physician-owned hospitals that was enacted in 2010 as part of the ACA.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont requests 12.7% price hike
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont submitted a proposal to increase its 2018 rates by 12.7 percent. The payer submitted the proposal to the Green Mountain Care Board that regulates the state's healthcare system.
Colonoscopy device market expected to grow at 4.6% CAGR through 2021
Technavio analysts expect the colonoscopy device market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.63 percent from 2017 to 2021. Technavia expects increased guidelines from healthcare organizations can either significantly boost the market or hinder market growth based on their nature.