Here are eight news updates for ambulatory surgery center industry leaders to know for Oct. 9, 2014.
Ambulatory healthcare adds 14,200 new jobs in September.
Ambulatory healthcare services again added the most jobs in the healthcare sector, contributing 14,200 new jobs last month. Hospitals added 6,200 jobs in September, while the industry's overall employment grew by 22,600. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Dallas Ebola patient dies.
The Ebola patient being treated in Dallas has died. Thomas Eric Duncan was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas Sept. 26 for treatment.
California increases narrow network oversight.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed S.B. 964, which increases oversight of narrow networks in the state. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) and requires health insurance plans sold through Covered California — the state's insurance exchange — to be reviewed annually. The reviews will determine if the plans are meeting timely access, network adequacy, continuity of care and quality management compliance standards. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Are Americans undergoing too many colonoscopies?
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that patients aged 50 to 74 who are enrolled in a screening program receive one additional colonoscopy in their lifetime compared to what is recommended. Though there are a larger number of unnecessary screening colonoscopies performed each year, one in four exams that find precancerous polyps are not followed up on within the appropriate interval. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
50% shortage of medical coders predicted for coming year.
Historically, there has been 20 percent to 30 percent shortage of medical coders, but that shortage could trend upwards to as much as 50 percent this year. The steep increase in shortage can be traced back to the impending switch to ICD-10, according to the report. The transition is expected to decrease existing coders' productivity by as much as 50 percent.
New camera could detect cancer before tumor formation.
Mantis shrimp, vibrantly colored marine crustaceans, have become the subject of a joint research project to create a camera that can detect numerous forms of cancer. The camera would be sensitive enough to detect cancerous lesions before the cells have multiplied enough to create visible tumors.
Via Christi ASC to open.
Pittsburg, Kan.-based Via Christi Hospital has dedicated its new ambulatory surgery center. The $18 million center is scheduled to have its first procedure Oct. 20.
AmSurg ophthalmologist featured in documentary.
James Lehman, MD, an ophthalmologist at AmSurg's Specialty Surgery Center of San Antonio, has been featured in a Peruvian documentary on flying eye hospitals.
More articles ASC issues:
The making of great ASC board members & administrators: 12 key concepts
9 ways to treat employees
New SCA joint venture, HCA acquisition & more – 5 recent key notes on ASC companies
Ambulatory healthcare adds 14,200 new jobs in September.
Ambulatory healthcare services again added the most jobs in the healthcare sector, contributing 14,200 new jobs last month. Hospitals added 6,200 jobs in September, while the industry's overall employment grew by 22,600. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Dallas Ebola patient dies.
The Ebola patient being treated in Dallas has died. Thomas Eric Duncan was admitted to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas Sept. 26 for treatment.
California increases narrow network oversight.
California Gov. Jerry Brown signed S.B. 964, which increases oversight of narrow networks in the state. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) and requires health insurance plans sold through Covered California — the state's insurance exchange — to be reviewed annually. The reviews will determine if the plans are meeting timely access, network adequacy, continuity of care and quality management compliance standards. Read the full report on Becker's Hospital Review.
Are Americans undergoing too many colonoscopies?
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that patients aged 50 to 74 who are enrolled in a screening program receive one additional colonoscopy in their lifetime compared to what is recommended. Though there are a larger number of unnecessary screening colonoscopies performed each year, one in four exams that find precancerous polyps are not followed up on within the appropriate interval. Read the full report on Becker's ASC Review.
50% shortage of medical coders predicted for coming year.
Historically, there has been 20 percent to 30 percent shortage of medical coders, but that shortage could trend upwards to as much as 50 percent this year. The steep increase in shortage can be traced back to the impending switch to ICD-10, according to the report. The transition is expected to decrease existing coders' productivity by as much as 50 percent.
New camera could detect cancer before tumor formation.
Mantis shrimp, vibrantly colored marine crustaceans, have become the subject of a joint research project to create a camera that can detect numerous forms of cancer. The camera would be sensitive enough to detect cancerous lesions before the cells have multiplied enough to create visible tumors.
Via Christi ASC to open.
Pittsburg, Kan.-based Via Christi Hospital has dedicated its new ambulatory surgery center. The $18 million center is scheduled to have its first procedure Oct. 20.
AmSurg ophthalmologist featured in documentary.
James Lehman, MD, an ophthalmologist at AmSurg's Specialty Surgery Center of San Antonio, has been featured in a Peruvian documentary on flying eye hospitals.
More articles ASC issues:
The making of great ASC board members & administrators: 12 key concepts
9 ways to treat employees
New SCA joint venture, HCA acquisition & more – 5 recent key notes on ASC companies