Black patients may be more likely to be given oral opioids and less likely to be given certain multimodal analgesia options than white patients, according to research published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists on Oct. 20. 

Irving, Texas-based Christus Health and Kerrville (Texas) Surgery Center have finalized a joint venture as Christus Surgery Center. 

A 45-year-old private ophthalmology practice in Lexington, N.C., has partnered with the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Eye Institute and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, according to an Oct. 21 report from The Dispatch.

Many ASCs are encountering difficulties in obtaining IV fluids following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which damaged a Baxter International facility in Marion, N.C., responsible for producing 60% of the country's IV fluid supply. Yet they are often finding ways to obtain and use IV fluids in ways hospitals may fall short.

ASC leaders are keeping a close eye on the evolving healthcare industry as leaders persevere through bankruptcies, layoffs and closures to help recover from challenges and drive operational performance. 

From state colonoscopy changes to new malpractice legislation, here are 16 pieces of healthcare legislation physicians are watching in 2024: 

Pennsylvania has the highest number of physicians per capita out of any state at 167.55 physicians for every 100,000 residents.

These are the five biggest moves by the five biggest ASC chains so far in 2024: 

Here are 12 hospitals and health systems laying off employees since July 1, as reported by Becker's:

Some gastroenterologists have expressed concern over a lack of clarity in eligibility requirements in UnitedHealthcare's new gold card program, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News reported Oct. 18. 

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners and Leawood, Kan.-based ValueHealth have completed a new ASC in The Villages, Fla., according to an Oct. 18 report from CityBiz.

The private practice of Charleston, S.C., ophthalmologist Ryan Pine, MD, is joining forces with Mattoon, Ill.-based Sarah Bush Lincoln, according to an Oct. 17 report from the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier. 

Foley, Ala.-based South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is rebranding, changing its name to Baldwin Health. 

CVS Health CEO and president Karen Lynch has stepped down and will be replaced by David Joyner effective Oct. 17. 

Lawmakers continued to urge Congress to address cuts to Medicare reimbursements in a bipartisan Dear Colleague letter signed by 233 representatives Oct. 11.  

Nearly 100% of medical residents believe that the number of training hours required of them is either adequate or more than adequate, according to Medscape's 2024 "Residents Lifestyle & Happiness Report," published Oct. 18. 

From cost savings to surgical advancements, eight ASC leaders joined Becker's to discuss what's hopeful for the future of ASCs. 

Jitander Dudee, MD, an ophthalmologist at Lexington, Ky.-based Medical Vision Institute, joined Becker's to discuss 12 factors that are raising concerns for future ASC growth. 

From reimbursement declines to increased competition from hospitals and other players, six ASC leaders joined Becker's to discuss what's threatening the future of ASCs. 

Lawrenceville, Ga.-based Northside Hospital Healthcare System has opened a new ASC in Canton, Ga., according to an Oct. 18 report from the Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News.