Patsy Newitt

Author's posts

Illinois hospital opens GI practice, welcomes first physician 

Morris (Ill.) Hospital & Healthcare Centers has opened a new gastroenterology practice and welcomed its first specialist, Afreen Hyder, MD, according to a May 20 news release from the hospital. Dr. Hyder brings over 20 years of experience in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions of the digestive system. “My philosophy of care is simple: be […]

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What this GI would change about med school 

Medical education has evolved significantly over the last few decades — but are there key elements still missing? Sheldon Taub, MD, gastroenterologist at Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center, joined Becker’s to discuss how medical training has changed since he entered the field and shares the lessons he believes future physicians should be learning in today’s classrooms.  […]

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ASCs’ anesthesia issues ‘like nailing Jell-O to the wall’

As ASCs grapple with fluctuating anesthesia coverage and rising costs, many administrators are finding themselves in a constant balancing act. Andrew Weiss, administrator of Vorhees, N.J.-based Summit Surgical Center, joined Becker’s to discuss how anesthesia subsidies are influencing ASC financial planning and shared practical advice for navigating these ongoing challenges. Question: Can you kind of […]

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How this ASC company is forging a new path with employer partnerships

As cost pressures intensify, ASCs are increasingly positioning themselves as cost-effective alternatives to hospital settings — especially for high-cost procedures like joint replacements and spine surgery.  For Benjamin Stein, MD, an independent orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Germantown, Md.-based Capital Surgical Solutions, a new opportunity is arising in direct-to-employer contracting.  “We are seeking novel partnerships […]

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Medicaid overhaul advances in House: What ASCs, physicians should know 

On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the President Donald Trump-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill” in a 215–214 vote, advancing a sweeping package of healthcare and fiscal reforms that could significantly affect Medicaid, Medicare, physician reimbursement and medical education. While the legislation still faces an uncertain future in the Senate, several provisions […]

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Payer disruptions changing the GI landscape 

As payer expectations evolve and reimbursement pressures mount, gastroenterology leaders are rethinking how they engage with insurers.  From value-based care to contract renegotiations and patient education, four GI leaders shared with Becker’s how they’re adapting to a shifting payer landscape — and what they’re preparing for next. Editor’s note: Responses were edited lightly for clarity […]

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Wyoming ASC launches bundled payment program for total joint replacements

Gillette, Wyo.-based Powder River Surgery Center and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming have partnered to launch a bundled payment program for total knee replacements, the organizations announced in a May 20 news release shared with Becker’s.  The program, which began May 1, allows patients to pay one simplified, all-inclusive fee for care. According to […]

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Inside the ASC that built its own analytics tool

While many ASCs rely on analytics platforms embedded in their EMRs or materials management systems, Germantown, Md.-based Capital Surgical Solutions decided to take a different route: building a custom analytics tool from scratch. Benjamin Stein, MD, an independent orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Capital Surgical Solutions, told Becker’s the decision stemmed from a widespread issue […]

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Hospitals can’t afford to ignore ASCs anymore: 5 trends to know

Hospital ownership of ASCs has become the standard, and “delaying action is neither a viable option nor a strategic choice,” according to Avanza’s Intelligence Hospital Leadership ASC Survey. Here are five more key trends to know : 1. Ninety percent of hospitals and health systems plan to continue investing in or affiliating with ASCs — […]

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5 ASC lawsuits to know 

Here are five ASC lawsuits Becker’s has reported on this year:  1. Knoxville, Tenn.-based Parkwest Surgery Center is facing multiple lawsuits from former patients who allege they developed “persistent and aggressive infections” after surgeries due to facility negligence. Several patients, who underwent knee procedures in 2023, claim they were exposed to Mycobacterium fortuitum bacteria. The […]

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