Category: ASC News

Virginia physician pays $625K to settle false claims allegations

Scott Saffold, MD, and his practice will pay $625,000 to resolve allegations that he and his medical practice falsely billed government healthcare programs. 

2025's richest physician billionaires

Ten physicians currently hold a spot on Forbes’ live net worth tracker, updated on Jan. 1 for 2025. 

Virginia physician convicted on 400+ drug distribution counts

Joel Smithers, MD, a physician in Abingdon, Va., was convicted of 467 federal counts of drug distribution.

Why ASCs closed in 2024

Becker’s reported on about 30 physician practice and ASC closures in 2024. Here are some of the top reasons that facilities shut their doors in the last year: 

9 states to cut income taxes in 2025

Beginning Jan. 1, nine states across the nation cut income taxes for residents, according to a Jan. 1 report from CBS News.

Pennsylvania set to limit physician noncompetes to 1 year

Effective Jan. 1, Pennsylvania will set limits to noncompete agreements in physicians’ contracts for the first time, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Dec. 31. 

6 hospitals shuttering services in December

Becker’s has reported on six hospitals or health systems shuttering services in the last month:

Kansas noncompete lawsuits raise questions about rural healthcare

Two physicians recently sued Hay, Kan.-based HaysMed, alleging issues in the noncompete clauses of their employment contracts. 

3 hospital closures in December

Becker’s reported on three hospital closures in December, which could shift how ASCs in these markets operate. 

Drug wholesaler settles physician kickback, fraud allegations for $1.5M 

An Arkansas-based drug wholesaler will pay $1.5 million to settle allegations it violated the kickback laws through a scheme where it submitted fraudulent bills to federal workers compensation programs for pain creams.