Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/606753
How Healthcare is Changing: Key Thoughts on Making it Positive for ASCs By Laura Dyrda Change has become the norm over the past five years, but now heading into the second half of the decade healthcare reform's foundation firmly in place. "e rate of change has slowed since the implementa- tion of the ACA," says Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America CEO Luke Lambert. "e dominance of hos- pital systems and hospital employment of physicians Are Independent Physicians Facing a Dependent Future? By Megan Wood Fueled by funds and stability, hospitals offer appealing places of employment. But some physicians who remain steadfast in their independence argue answering to hos- pitals sacrifices quality of patient care. Currently, 33 percent of physicians in the United States are independent, compared to 57 percent in 2000, ac- cording to the Association of Independent Doctors which encompasses more than 600 members in 12 states. Independent physician groups want to reverse this healthcare trend. ere have been many exciting de- velopments for ambulatory surgery center companies over the past year and the momentum will continue heading into 2016. Tenet acquired United Surgical Partners Interna- tional earlier this year and together the companies own 244 ASCs, 20 imaging centers and 16 surgical hospitals. At the same time, Surgery Partners filed for an initial public offering priced at $23 to $26 per share, valu- ing the company at $1.25 billion. e IPO comes a year aer acquiring Symbion Healthcare. ere are also changes in ASC pay- ments and policy. CMS will add 17 new procedures to the ASC payable list for next year, including spine procedures. The companies featured on this list focus on independent ASCs, joint venture centers and outpa- tient services for management, development, billing, supply chain and more. continued on page 15 continued on page 8 continued on page 52 59 ASC Management & Development Companies to Watch in 2016 By Carrie Pallardy, Anuja Vaidya, Mary Rechtoris and Megan Wood Inside the issue: 15 Statistics on ASC Salaries & Benefits These statistics cover ASC administrator and staff salaries, bonuses and benefits. p. 18-19 17 Things to Know About Ambulatory EHRs Key points on EHRs for hospital- and physician-owned facilities. p. 16 The Fate of Small GI Practices Will they remain independent or is the strength in numbers too alluring? p. 42 Disaster Preparedness at ASCs Six key thoughts on hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. p. 48 Becker's 14th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine June 9-11, 2016 at Swissôtel, Chicago Don't miss 124 Physician Speakers and 117 Sessions Keynote Speakers: Lou Holtz & Tucker Carlson For more information, visit www.beckersspine.com or call (800) 417-2035. SAVE THE DATE INSIDE: Becker's 14th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine Brochure November/December 2015 • Vol. 2015 No. 9