January/February 2021 Issue of Becker's ASC Review
ON THE COVER
7 most interesting ASC industry deals of 2020
The pandemic quieted ASC deals midyear, but there have been several fascinating transactions in the second half of 2020.
The trends shaping the ASC landscape in 2021
While the pandemic has underscored the value of ASCs, they will continue battling reimbursement limitations, logistical challenges and consequences of COVID-19 going into 2021, according to Bill Prentice, CEO of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
USPI to offload urgent care platform in 2021
On the heels of a $1.1 billion deal to acquire up to 45 ASCs from SurgCenter Development, Tenet Healthcare is planning to sell its urgent care platform in the first quarter of 2021.
11 biggest surgery center projects in 2020 by cost
This year, at least 11 developments involving an ASC or outpatient surgery center represented an investment of $50 million or more.
38 ASC industry exec moves in 2020
There were 38 leadership moves at ASCs and management companies in 2020:
Tenet's strategic shift to ASCs: 5 details
Tenet is moving away from high-cost, lower margin hospitals and deepening its portfolio of lower cost, higher margin ASCs.
Appeals court allows California surgery center to seek $1M+ in unpaid claims
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Appeals Court allowed Los Angeles-based Beverly Oaks Physicians Surgery Center to seek unpaid claims from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, reversing a decision from a district court, according to a Dec. 17 court filing.
Orthopedic surgeon compensation, net worth & gender wage gap — 20 insights for 2020
Here are 20 insights on orthopedic surgeon compensation, net worth, the gender wage gap and more, drawn from four separate reports:
GI in 2021 — What 6 gastroenterologists think is in store for the specialty
As a year unlike any other comes to a close, several trends emerged in gastroenterology over the past year that will continue to emerge in 2021. Here, six gastroenterologists share their predictions on the future of the specialty:
ASC MANAGEMENT
Appeals court allows California surgery center to seek $1M+ in unpaid claims
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Appeals Court allowed Los Angeles-based Beverly Oaks Physicians Surgery Center to seek unpaid claims from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, reversing a decision from a district court, according to a Dec. 17 court filing.
Physician pay hits $360,104; group practice falls 13% among general surgeons — 4 key insights
The average physician makes $360,104 a year, according to the "2020 Physician and Advanced Practice Salary Report" by LocumTenens.com.
CMS to require prior authorization for cervical fusion with disc removal
CMS will use prior authorization to reduce unnecessary increases in the volume of covered outpatient spine services next year.
38 ASC industry exec moves in 2020
There were 38 leadership moves at ASCs and management companies in 2020:
Iowa nurse allegedly stole fentanyl from surgery center
Sabrina Thalblum, RN, allegedly stole fentanyl from Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's outpatient surgery center from August 2018 to August 2019, The Gazette reported Dec. 3.
ADMINISTRATOR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The trends shaping the ASC landscape in 2021
While the pandemic has underscored the value of ASCs, they will continue battling reimbursement limitations, logistical challenges and consequences of COVID-19 going into 2021, according to Bill Prentice, CEO of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
What 2 ASC administrators are excited for in 2021
The year ahead seems promising for ASCs. Becker's ASC Review asked administrators to share what they're most excited for in 2021:
How orthopedic surgeon compensation changed over the last decade
Orthopedic surgeon compensation will be affected by COVID-19, ending a generally upward trend from the last several years.
4 big trends for ASCs in 2021
While elective surgery restrictions devastated ASC finances in early 2020, the industry largely recovered rapidly and is poised to take on a greater share of procedures in 2021.
ASC budgeting for 2021: 6 execs outline their strategy
ASC administrators had to change plans during the pandemic after some temporarily closed or lowered procedure volume to conserve resources and stem the spread of COVID-19.
JOINT VENTURES
The business of cardiology in surgery centers
Cardiology is one of the fastest-growing ambulatory surgery center specialties as it is following in the footsteps of the hypergrowth specialties of orthopedics and spine. Strong reimbursement rates, an increase in covered procedures, and a high percentage of complex procedures all make cardiology an attractive specialty for both new and established ASCs.
11 biggest surgery center projects in 2020 by cost
This year, at least 11 developments involving an ASC or outpatient surgery center represented an investment of $50 million or more.
USPI to offload urgent care platform in 2021
On the heels of a $1.1 billion deal to acquire up to 45 ASCs from SurgCenter Development, Tenet Healthcare is planning to sell its urgent care platform in the first quarter of 2021.
Spectrum Health Pennock opens new surgery center
Hastings, Mich.-based Spectrum Health Pennock recently opened a new surgery center, a spokesperson told Becker's ASC Review in an email Nov. 30.
7 most interesting ASC industry deals of 2020
The pandemic quieted ASC deals midyear, but there have been several fascinating transactions in the second half of 2020.
ORTHOPEDICS
What 2021 will look like from 13 spine surgeons — Drs. Frank Phillips, Lali Sekhon & more
Thirteen spine surgeons share their outlook on the spine field in 2021 and what success will look like for their practice.x
Robotics in spine surgery: 17 notes for surgeons, ASCs & administrators
Spine surgery has advanced significantly over the past decade, with minimally invasive surgery and robotic spine surgery drawing increased interest from surgeons.
How the pandemic is changing spine surgery: 5 surgeon insights
From the acceleration of outpatient migration to the increasing popularity of certain spinal approaches, five spine surgeons discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the field:
Stem cells in spine, orthopedics: 6 notes for surgeons
A landmark clinical trial was announced in November when a $9 million grant was provided for the first human study using stem cells to treat a spinal disorder that occurs in babies in the womb.
We're going to need a bigger scalpel — Mississippi spine surgeon operates on sand tiger shark's spine
Gautier, Miss.-based Bienville Orthopedics' Joseph Cox, MD, led a team of 12 specialists in performing a spine surgery on Stella, a sand tiger shark, local news affiliate WMBF reported Nov. 16.
GASTROENTROLOGY
The story behind the Pinnacle GI Partners deal & how the platform will stand out in the crowded Midwest
H.I.G. Growth Partners partnered with Rochester Hills, Mich.-based The Center for Digestive Health Dec. 1 to create Pinnacle GI Partners, a new investment platform in Michigan.
Florida GI practice to open $6M surgery center
Jacksonville-based Digestive Disease Consultants will open a 14,377-square-foot surgery center in Orange Park, Fla., in 2021, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported Dec. 14.
GI in 2021 — What 6 gastroenterologists think is in store for the specialty
As a year unlike any other comes to a close, several trends emerged in gastroenterology over the past year that will continue to emerge in 2021. Here, six gastroenterologists share their predictions on the future of the specialty:
IBD patients should take COVID-19 vaccines whenever available, experts say
Gastroenterologists recommend patients with inflammatory bowel disease seek out the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they become available, Medscape reported Dec. 11.x
PE firm invests in Michigan GI practice, creates new platform
H.I.G. Growth Partners entered into a partnership Dec. 1 with Rochester Hills, Mich.-based The Center for Digestive Health creating Pinnacle GI Partners, a new investment platform in Michigan.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
The most, least expensive states for an ER visit
New Jersey hospitals charge the most for a moderate-severity emergency room visit requiring a single surgery, according to data from Hospital Pricing Specialists provided to Becker's Hospital Review.
Record number of US workers are calling in sick
The number of U.S. workers calling in sick reached record numbers this year and may stay that way until COVID-19 vaccines are widely distributed, according to Bloomberg.
Hospitals lose appeal, must disclose inurer rates
An appeals court rejected hospitals' challenge of a rule that requires hospitals to disclose the rates they negotiate with insurers beginning in 2021.
FDA issues new opioid prescribing guidelines
The FDA has issued new rules related to the prescribing of opioid painkillers.
Is Walmart Health the future of US healthcare?
Walmart Health opened 15 clinics last year and plans to add seven more by the end of 2021, according to a Jan. 4 CNBC report.