In Texas, and across the country, patients are struggling with a difficult mix of health care challenges: high medical costs, vague and unclear hospital billing policies, and a lack of access to care. These challenges are particularly harmful for our rural and underserved communities, and they are being exacerbated by unfair hospital billing practices that […]
Dr. Rick Snyder: How to ensure fair billing for medical care Read More »
Millions of Americans may soon lose access to their doctors — unless Congress prevents a pay cut that could put many of them out of business. Starting Jan. 1, Medicare will once again increase reimbursement rates for hospitals and most other healthcare providers to help offset inflation. Doctors are not so lucky. Read the full
Dr. Paul Berggreen: Congress must act to protect patient access to doctors Read More »
Private equity firms are increasingly investing in hospital-owned ambulatory surgery centers, allowing the companies to bankroll a growing sector while limiting regulatory scrutiny. The sector is poised to expand as providers and patients more frequently choose the lower-cost setting over a hospital. Read the full article at Modern Healthcare
Private equity firms upping investment in hospital ASCs Read More »
Despite a push in Congress and several state legislatures this year to blunt the impact of private equity in health care, virtually no new laws are likely to be enacted. Congress has considered legislation to rein in aspects of private equity ownership, but none of the bills has gained steam. Read the full article at
Push to regulate private equity in health care stalls Read More »
Physicians working with private equity investors may help patients and save money when compared with those affiliated with hospital and corporate ownership, according to a new study. Read the full article at Medical Economics
Rebecca Smith, a breast cancer survivor, didn’t think much about it in 2018 when Novant Health bought Lake Norman Oncology, the practice in Mooresville where she had regular checkups with her cancer doctor. Then Smith, 51, received a medical bill that left her stunned. Read the full article at North Carolina Health News
When your doctor’s visit comes with a hospital fee — but no hospital Read More »
Most people over a certain age are familiar with going in for a colonoscopy, a routine method of screening for and preventing colon cancer. What they might not know is that the cost of the procedure can vary wildly depending on where they get it done. If Medicare is picking up the tab, patients might
In 2022, Medicare spending for beneficiaries treated in private physician practices backed by private equity was, on average, 9.8% lower compared to those treated in hospital-affiliated practices. That’s according to a recent study conducted by Avalere, commissioned by the American Independent Medical Practice Association (AIMPA). Read the full article at Ambulatory Surgery Center News
Private Equity Practices Cut Medicare Costs, Boost ASC Potential Read More »
Just minutes before the end of its session last month, the California Legislature green-lit a bill that could spell the end of independent physician practice in the Golden State. That would be disastrous for physicians and patients alike. Gov. Gavin Newsom must veto the bill. Read the full article at San Diego Union-Tribune