COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are surging again, with hot spots primarily in southern states like Texas, Louisiana and Florida, according to The New York Times' Aug. 6 data.

COVID-19-spurred staffing shortages still are affecting many ASCs nationally. 

The ASC industry is going through big changes, with several exciting federal government and payer policy changes that could drive surgery center growth. But there are also big roadblocks that stymie progress for ASCs and could force surgeons to sell their centers in the short term.

About 25 percent of physicians have made plans for early retirement during the pandemic, according to a Medscape survey, and several others say they have considered leaving medicine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the nation’s shift to outpatient settings for surgical care, and demand is increasing.

Surgical patients have become increasingly selective when choosing their ideal treatment environment. Rather than relying on medical referral alone, patients choose ASCs based on personal recommendations, social media, and search engine results.

ASC leaders are navigating extensive industry shifts — from the recent surge in COVID-19 cases to CMS removing 258 procedures from the ASC payable list. 

Large retail and big tech companies are developing healthcare clinics across the U.S. Where do their employed physicians and clinicians refer patients who need specialists or surgery?

Surgical Care Affiliates' former director of revenue cycle operations, David Wilson, joined Therapy Brands as vice president of revenue cycle management, according to a July 27 release. 

Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery in San Francisco now requires staff and patients to have the COVID-19 vaccine before entering the facility.

Lawrence Parrish has served as the administrator of his orthopedic center for more than 15 years. 

For Northern Arizona Healthcare in Flagstaff, strategic leadership models can propel growth. 

ASC leaders must juggle multiple roles and responsibilities to keep their centers running.

Some independent ASCs took a hit during the pandemic without the leverage to secure reimbursements and necessary supplies.

Establishing interdependent leadership is critical to achieve growth, according to Shane Ricks, RN. 

AFL-CIO ranked the highest-paid CEOs from S&P 500 and Rusell 3,000 companies to develop a report on the highest-paid top executives for healthcare organizations in 2020.

ASCs will be an asset to providers, payers and healthcare organizations in the coming years, according to Matt Kraemer. 

From physician-centered to laissez-faire leadership, eight ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review on the ideal leadership model for ASCs. 

Denver-based DaVita, an outpatient medical services provider specializing in dialysis and kidney care, has been indicted in connection with a collusion investigation involving Deerfield, Ill.-based Surgical Care Affiliates,the Justice Department said July 15.

From the COVID-19 pandemic to increased outpatient migration, ASCs have had to adjust to acute industry shifts in the past few years.