Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/463939
7 13th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine – Call (800) 417-2035 Another bill, in committee at the same time, would have stripped out of the law the in-office ancillary services exception, which Mr. Burba says is "argu- ably the most relied upon exception" to Stark Law. Although Stark Law generally prohibits self-referrals, the in-office ancillary services exception allows for the self-referral of advanced diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology and therapy services. If the exception was done away with, "the change would not only result in converting thousands of previously legitimate relations into violations going forward, but would also operate to drastically reduce compensation available to physicians around the country," says Mr. Burba. Regardless of whether either of the statutes is passed, "hospitals should ex- pect the enforcement of Stark to grow more aggressive and more frequent, and should correspondingly continue to increase the resources they dedicate to compliance," says Mr. Burba. In addition, because Stark Law violations do not require intent, "Stark fre- quently represents a more straightforward path for enforcement activity and therefore makes increased enforcement likely," says Ms. Marsh. n H ere are 10 recent news updates on big company players in the ambulatory sur- gery center industry. Sheridan, which is now a physician services di- vision of AmSurg, acquired the radiology ser- vices business Radisphere, a group of more than 100 radiologists. Hospital Corporation of America intends to buy back half of Bain Capital Investors' $1.13 billion stake in HCA. The buy back is valued at about $555.7 million, minus a 1 percent discount. Laser Spine Institute broke ground on a new $56 mil- lion headquarters in and plans to add 100 new jobs. Medical Facilities Corporation reported $55.6 million in operating expenses, 72.3 percent of revenue, compared to $52.9 million or 72.5 per- cent of revenue in the prior year period. Northstar Healthcare acquired healthcare mar- keting company Athas Health for $34 million. Nueterra Global Alliance's international reach has extended to Canada. Mega Assistance Services will serve as NGA's Canadian ambassador. NGA and Mega Assistance Services will work with medi- cal tourism provider MediTravel International to allow Canadian patients access to United States healthcare providers within the NGA network. Surgical Care Affiliates invested in 11 facilities during the third quarter of 2014, seven of which were consolidated. The company also exited six fa- cilities, three of which the company managed only. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, United Surgi- cal Partners International reported consolidated net revenues of $466.1 million compared to $451.4 million in the prior year period. Operating income increased from $181.9 million to $183.7 million. Regent Surgical Health promoted Controller Matthew Lau to CFO. After announcing his decision to begin exploring a 2016 presidential run, Jeb Bush stepped down from the Tenet Healthcare board of directors. n 10 Recent ASC Company News Updates By Carrie Pallardy SPINE is Making its MOVE to ASCs ARE YOU? Develop a Spine ASC Succeed with a proven strategic partner Control your surgical environment Meet patients' expectations for minimally invasive spine surgery Spine ASC Partnerships Acquisition Development Management Make your move with us! 615-301-8142 www.meridiansurgicalpartners.com