Author's posts
Louisiana cardiologist arrested for sexually abusing patients
St. Tammany Parish, La.-based cardiologist Keith Hickey, MD, has been arrested for sexually abusing at least two patients during examinations.
Ascension sells 5-hospital system for $450M: What ASCs need to know
St. Louis-based Ascension has sold its St. Vincent’s Health System to The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System Authority in a deal valued at $450 million, effective Nov. 1.
Turiya Anesthesia partners with Emanate Health
Torrance, Calif.-based Turiya Anesthesia, a physician-owned anesthesia group, has partnered with Emanate Health Intercommunity Hospital in Covina, Calif.
4 hospital closures in 1 month
Here are four hospitals that Becker’s reported on shuttering in October:
New Mexico physician charged with fraud, identity theft
A physician and former state police officer in New Mexico have been charged with Medicaid fraud, identity theft and practicing medicine without a license.
CMS inks 2.83% physician pay cut: 5 things to know
CMS finalized a 2.83% physician pay cut in its 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System released on Nov. 1.
Adventist acquires ASC
Adventist Health Lodi (Calif.) Memorial Hospital Foundation has purchased the Lodi Outpatient Surgery Center and added it to its network after years of leasing the center from local physicians, according to a Nov. 2 Lodi News-Sentinel report.
CON laws' domino effect on ASC, hospital partnerships
Certificate-of-need laws require healthcare systems or providers to receive special approval from the state before expanding or building a new facility, and they vary by state.
CMS's 2025 ASC pay rule 'a step sideways'
CMS issued the 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System final rule Nov. 1, with slight pay bumps in each setting despite continued inflation and specialist shortages.
Optometrist to pay $1M+ to settle false claims allegations
An optometrist in Austin, Texas, has agreed to pay the U.S. and the state of Texas $1,055,379 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act and the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act.
