Category: Becker’s ASC Review

Women increasingly entering high-paid specialties

More women are entering higher-paying physician specialties, particularly in surgery, according to a study published in JAMA. 

The rising burden of claims denials

Denials of claims are increasing, along with the administrative burden of managing them, according to Experian Health’s “2024 State of Claims” survey. 

Practice challenges piling up for independent physicians 

Private practice physicians are facing mounting challenges threatening financial stability and ability to provide care. 

UnitedHealth gold-card program takes effect: What ASCs should know

On Oct. 1, UnitedHealthcare’s national prior authorization gold-card program went into effect. The payer announced the program in August and rolled out its list of eligible procedures on Sept. 1, which included several ASC-related codes. 

UCLA receives grant to boost CRC screenings in underserved areas

Researchers from UCLA Health’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center received a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to enhance follow-up care after colorectal cancer screenings in underserved populations.

Robotic surgery better for colorectal cancer patients: 5 things to know

A new study, published in the Journal of Robotic Surgery, shows that robotic surgery provides an advantage for patients over traditional laparoscopic approaches to colorectal resections. 

GI prescription provider renews Medicaid contract

RedHill Biopharma, a specialty biopharmaceutical company with a focus on developing treatments for the bacterial infection H. pylori, has renewed its contract with Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid healthcare program.

Former Texas hospital CEO to pay $5.3M for alleged physician kickbacks

The former CEO of a hospital in Rockdale, Texas, has agreed to pay more than $5.3 million to resolve allegations of paying kickbacks to physicians for laboratory referrals. 

5 deals disrupting the ASC industry in Q3

Here are five major transactions in the third quarter significantly reshaping the ASC industry, reflecting broader trends in consolidation and strategic partnerships. 

12 hospital sales in 10 days

Independent physicians and ASC operators are closely monitoring the ongoing wave of hospital sales and market consolidation, amid the potential for reduced competition, rising costs and limited referral networks.