NYU Langone adds to orthopedic care network NYU Langone Health has expanded its orthopedic care network with the acquisition of Rothman Orthopaedics of Greater New York. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move integrates three new practice locations into NYU Langone Orthopedics’ extensive outpatient system, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in patient care, education and research. The new locations – NYU Langone Orthopedic Associates in Midtown East, NYU … [Read more...]
From Tension to Teamwork: Strategies for Managing Anesthesia Challenges in ASCs
The anesthesiologist shortage will likely not end anytime soon. Yet for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators, there are fixes that can help keep their centers running smoothly, such as collaborating with anesthesia providers, balancing payer mixes and making sure operating rooms are functioning efficiently. “In the past, anesthesia, surgeons and surgery centers often had a contentious relationship,” Alfonso del Granado, administrator of Covenant High Plains Surgery Centers in Lubbock, … [Read more...]
From Market Trends to Physician Engagement: Key Strategies for ASC Growth and Differentiation
Adding a new location or specialty to an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) can offer significant opportunities for growth, but it also requires careful planning and strategic execution. ASCs often compete with large health systems and hospitals, making differentiation critical. “You could do a market trend [survey] that cardiovascular would probably be really good in Florida, where you have a lot of older patients moving to and they don’t want to have to fly up for care,” Alyson Engle, a … [Read more...]
From Standalone ASCs to Scalable Hybrids: Insights on Building for Growth and Innovation
From standalone centers to hybrid models, patient-centered design, and the integration of new technology, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) design is transforming the way health care is delivered. Ambulatory Surgery Center News connected with Camilla Moretti, principal at architecture firm HKS, which has designed over 5,800 large-scale health care projects across the globe, to talk about the forces shaping the future of ASC design and how operators can plan for scalability and … [Read more...]
Private Equity in ASCs: A Double-Edged Sword for Independence and Growth
The rise of private equity in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) has sparked intense discussion among industry leaders, as PE firms are increasingly investing in ASCs, largely due to the shift of complex procedures from hospitals to outpatient settings. For operators who want to remain independent, and for those who have concerns about the impact of PE on the health care landscape, the future is full of questions. “There's good private equities and bad private equities, just like there's … [Read more...]
Rapid Backlash Halts Kaiser’s Anesthesia Reimbursement Cuts: What It Means for ASCs
In November, Kaiser Permanente announced it would require specific modifiers to identify anesthesia providers for reimbursement under its Washington health plans, causing alarm for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators and stakeholders, many of whom are struggling amid a national anesthesiologist shortage. Additionally, the reimbursement rate for QZ services performed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) was to be reduced to 85% of the Physician Fee Schedule. QZ is a … [Read more...]
SCA Health Acquires OrthoAlliance, Expanding Orthopedic Footprint
SCA Health, the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) arm of Optum, acquired OrthoAlliance, an orthopedic management services organization. The acquisition, effective as of November 1, expands SCA Health’s network in orthopedic and sports medicine services. Optum is the health services business of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UHG). “Since its founding in 2019, OrthoAlliance has focused on providing instant access to high-quality, value-based care throughout Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky,” SCA told ASC … [Read more...]
Baxter Expects Pre-Hurricane Levels of Production in Early 2025
Baxter has provided its final update for 2024 on the recovery of its North Cove, North Carolina, manufacturing facility following the unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators nationwide have been closely monitoring these updates due to the critical role North Cove plays in the supply of IV solutions and other essential products. While reports of ASCs needing to pull back on procedures due to the situation are no longer widespread, one … [Read more...]
Top Ambulatory Surgery Center Design Trends to Watch
As ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to adapt to industry trends, their designs will likely become even more patient-focused, efficient and technologically advanced. “The key is balancing the needs of patients, families and medical staff,” Jeffrey Brand, executive director at global architecture and design firm Perkins Eastman, told ASC News. “When all three groups are considered, ASCs can deliver exceptional care and experiences.” For ASC operators, staying informed about these … [Read more...]
MedPAC Recommends 4.6% Medicare Increase for Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), which advises Congress on Medicare policy, recommended a 1% base rate increase above current law to both hospital inpatient services and outpatient services for 2026. With that increase, the overall increase would be 4.6% based on the current projected hospital market basket increase of 3.6% for 2026. Analysts at Macquarie Capital noted that a hospital rate increase would have a positive impact on ambulatory surgery centers, including … [Read more...]