Here are seven updates.
ASCs' quality measures soon to be under ACA magnifying glass
CMS is planning to resale eight more quality scores for ASCs, with proponents arguing ASCs should be held to the same standards for reporting patient outcomes as hospitals. The Office of the Inspector General plans to release a report on Medicare's quality oversight of ASCs.
HCA's contract dispute with BCBS of Texas threatens surgery centers
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is considering dropping Hospital Compaction of America's facilities in the state, which includes 30 surgical or outpatient centers and 44 hospitals. BCBS of Texas' contract with HCA expires on April 30, and the two are currently engaging in negotiations on rates.
CDC confirms Zika causes microcephaly
A CDC report confirmed Zika virus causes microcephaly and other serious birth defects. In the report, CDC officials detailed a wealth of evidence proving Zika causes the birth defect.
Orthopedic surgeons generate $2.7M for affiliated hospitals
A Merritt Hawkins survey reported a full-time orthopedic surgeon generated an average of $2.7 million on behalf of their affiliated hospitals last year, more than any other type of physician. Orthopedic surgeons averaged $497,000 in salary while generating 5.5 times that much in hospital revenue.
Mercy Health's plans for outpatient center advance
On April 13, a Toledo City (Ohio) Council moved forward with Mercy Health's expansion plans to include an outpatient center. Mercy plans to construct a 21,000-sqaure-foot renovation of the outpatient and surgery building, as well as a 33,000-square-foot addition to the emergency room.
Stamford ASC opens in Connecticut
Stamford (Conn.) ASC houses two surgical suites for orthopedic and neurosurgery procedures. Surgeons at the center specialize in musculoskeletal surgeries and pain management.
Florida NPs, PAs finally get to prescribe controlled substances
Starting 2017, physician assistants and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe controlled substances in Florida. Kentucky is the only start banning PAs from prescribing controlled substances.
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