June 2021 Issue of Becker's ASC Review
ON THE COVER
5 ways gastroenterology will be affected long after the pandemic
Gastroenterology saw enormous setbacks during the pandemic — colorectal cancer screening procedures dropped more than 80 percent in the early stages of COVID-19.
Employers, fed up with insurance companies, turn to ASCs
Employers are increasingly interested in direct contracting with surgery centers through regional and national contracts, and ASCs are ready partners as high quality, low cost sites of care.
The OIG's ASC joint-venture opinion: 10 deep-dive details
The HHS Office of Inspector General issued a favorable opinion approving a joint-venture ASC arrangement between physicians, a management company and health systems last month.
10 big challenges for ASCs
One year ago, many ASCs were closed or at limited case volume to divert resources to hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
Hospitals aren't rushing to buy ASCs; here's what's happening instead
The pandemic accelerated the migration of surgical procedures to the outpatient setting, and many hospital executives are expanding their outpatient strategies. But that doesn't mean they're eager to buy ASCs.
What procedures are migrating to ASCs?
COVID-19 has accelerated the migration of surgeries to the outpatient setting, and many administrators expect the trend to continue.
The most expensive ASC projects so far in 2021
Becker's ASC Review has reported on seven new ASC projects that are expected to cost at least $25 million so far this year.
New York BCBS policy change drives surgery to ASCs
Empire BlueCross BlueShield in New York updated its coverage policy this year to drive more surgical procedures to ASCs.
29 physician specialties ranked by annual compensation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care physicians earned an average annual compensation of $242,000 and specialists earned an average of $344,000 — a decrease of $1,000 and $2,000, respectively, compared to before the public health crisis hit.
What it takes for ASCs to win over new spine surgeon investors
As more spine procedures migrate to the outpatient setting, some spine surgeons will consider investing in ASCs. Although a daunting idea for surgeons, there are factors ASCs can focus on to draw the eyes of spine surgeons.
ASC MANAGEMENT
Hospitals aren't rushing to buy ASCs; here's what's happening instead
The pandemic accelerated the migration of surgical procedures to the outpatient setting, and many hospital executives are expanding their outpatient strategies. But that doesn't mean they're eager to buy ASCs.
Mass General $400M ASC expansion faces opposition from community, healthcare groups
A coalition of healthcare providers, community groups and business groups was created in opposition of Boston-based Mass General Brigham's ASC expansion across Massachusetts, MetroWest Daily News reported April 28.
USPI names regional VP of operations
Dallas-based United Surgical Partners International has named Matt Wheelus as regional vice president of operations, Kitsap Sun Sun reported April 29.
Cardiology group sues SSM Health for $50M over lost hospital privileges: 5 details
St. Louis Heart and Vascular sued SSM Health March 31 to prevent it from entering into an exclusive contract with another cardiology provider for adult services, according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
OptumCare is changing physician pay to drive revenue growth
OptumCare, part of OptumHealth, is transitioning physicians to value-based payment models in an effort to reach its goal of becoming a $100 billion business, according to an Insider report.
ADMINISTRATOR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
What procedures are migrating to ASCs?
COVID-19 has accelerated the migration of surgeries to the outpatient setting, and many administrators expect the trend to continue.
Former ASC administrator named CEO of physician-owned USPI hospital
United Surgical Partners International affiliate TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital in Houston has named Grant Magness CEO, Community Impact reported May 4.
3 ASC administrators' thoughts on managing prior authorization
The process of obtaining prior authorization is challenging for some ASC administrators also tasked with other financial duties.
These issues can hijack a great ASC accreditation survey
Three ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review on common mistakes they see when dealing with accreditation compliance.
Implant reimbursement vs. ASCs: 5 leaders weigh in
Implant costs are a burden for many ASCs, and many feel ASCs have irreparably shifted the implant industry.
JOINT VENTURES
Salem Health opens joint-venture ASC
Salem (Ore.) Health's new outpatient surgery center is now seeing patients, according to a May 9 LinkedIn post.
Orlando Health inks 1st acquisition of 2021 — a multispecialty group with 19 physicians
Leesburg, Fla.-based FHV Health has been acquired by Orlando Health for an undisclosed price, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
$8M joint-venture ASC breaks ground in Arizona
MedCraft Healthcare Real Estate and Tucson, Ariz.-based TMC HealthCare broke ground on an $8 million ASC on TMC's Rincon campus, REBusiness reported May 4.
Wisconsin orthopedic group, surgery center break ground on shared facility
The Orthopaedic Associates of Wausau (Wis.) and Wausau Surgery Center broke ground May 3, WSAW-TV reports.
Healthcare group-physician joint venture opens ASC in Alabama
Outpatient surgery resumed at Valley, Ala.-based EAMC-Lanier after the opening of an ASC — a joint venture between Opelika-based East Alabama Medical Center and five physician shareholders, wrbl.com reported April 28.
GASTROENTROLOGY
4 factors that will make or break a gastroenterology practice in the next 2 years
Gastroenterologists are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and adapting to new changes in how they practice medicine.
3 tips for GI success: Q&A with Linda Lee
Linda Lee, MD, the medical director of endoscopy for Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital, spoke with Becker's ASC Review to give tips for gastrointestinal practices to succeed in the next two years.
5 ways gastroenterology will be affected long after the pandemic
Gastroenterology saw enormous setbacks during the pandemic — colorectal cancer screening procedures dropped more than 80 percent in the early stages of COVID-19.
6 takeaways on gastroenterologist compensation in 2021: Medscape
Medscape released its 2021 "Physician Compensation Report."
11 states projected have the most new colon, rectum cancer cases in 2021
The American Cancer Society estimates 11 states will have more than 4,000 new colon and rectum cancer cases this year, according to its Cancer Facts & Figures 2021 report.
ORTHOPEDICS
Why more spine surgeons are looking to invest in ASCs
Spine surgeons investing in surgery centers have the potential to realize significant profit in the coming years as procedures continue to shift from inpatient to outpatient settings.
Endoscopic procedure a first at DuPage Medical Group's new ASC
The first endoscopic microdiscectomy procedure at DuPage Medical Group's new ASC in Westmont, Ill., was performed by Ashish Patel, MD.
Hackers remove patient files from New York orthopedic group's computer systems
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County was recently the victim of a cyberattack that exposed patients' protected health information.
Dr. Mark Getelman on how private practices can thrive
Consolidation of orthopedic practices is a trend that will continue, but private orthopedic practices can still thrive, according to Mark Getelman, MD, of Van Nuys, Calif.-based Southern California Orthopedic Institute.
10 states with biggest growth of total knee surgeries in 2020
Surgeons in 10 states performed more total knee replacements in 2020 than in 2019, according to data from Definitive Healthcare.
ANESTHESIA
Financial opportunities in anesthesia flat-fee services
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' 2020 update of its Relative Value Guide has new updates that affect the way flat-fee services are billed. A blog post by Tony Mira, founder of MiraMed's Anesthesia Business Consultants, detailed a potential financial opportunity in these changes.
FDA approves Exparel anesthetic for children: 4 details
The Food and Drug Administration approved Pacira's supplemental new drug application to expand the use of its long-acting local anesthetic, Exparel, in children.
What NorthStar Anesthesia did so far in 2021
Irving, Texas-based NorthStar Anesthesia kicked off the year completing its expansion to serve seven facilities in Michigan. The company is continuing that momentum, growing its footprint in four other states so far in 2021.
How incorrectly documenting your anesthesia service can cost you your reimbursement
Correctly listing the details of anesthesia services is critical for claims submission and payment, according to a blog post by Tony Mira, founder of Anesthesia Business Consultants, a MiraMed company.
What North American Partners in Anesthesia did in the past year
Mellville, N.Y.-based North American Partners in Anesthesia has grown its footprint despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what the company did in the past year:
PHARMACY
Compounding pharmacy market to hit $15B by 2028 & 5 more report takeaways
The compounding pharmacies market is expected to grow in the next seven years, according to a ResearchAndMarkets.com report.
QuVa Pharma poised for growth after $275M funding round
QuVa Pharma completed a $275 million financing round May 6.
South Carolina compounding pharmacy opens 2nd location
Sweetgrass Pharmacy & Co. in Mount Pleasant, S.C., has a new location introducing services to the region, according to a Moultrie News report.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Why ORs are getting a makeover
Many hospitals and health systems nationwide are rethinking the layout of their operating rooms to better accommodate technology, patients and staff, reports The New York Times.
Ophthalmologist lands $100K investment on 'Shark Tank'
Anika Goodwin, MD, an ophthalmologist from Greensboro, N.C., walked away from her appearance on the entrepreneurial-themed reality TV show Shark Tank with a $100,000 investment in her beauty products company, according to an ABC 11 report.
Physician accused of pocketing nearly $300K in COVID-19 relief funds: 4 details
The federal government has charged a Colorado physician with misappropriating thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds from his practice for personal use.
Billion-dollar healthcare deals: 5 this year
Healthcare transactions have been on fire this year, with at least five billion-dollar deals made or in the works.
Pain physician sues to halt $5.9M refund to feds in overpayment case
A St. Louis-based pain management physician is suing to keep the federal government from collecting millions in refunds after it allegedly overpaid his practice $14,418.93.