Private equity companies with physician groups in their portfolios are being held accountable for False Claims Act violations and will continue to face scrutiny from the Justice Department this year.

With the U.S. stock market tanking in recent weeks, many investors' portfolios have taken a hit. But those with ASC real estate ownership may not have much to worry about.

A bill under consideration in the California State Legislature could put power in the hands of physician owners of physician practices, JDSupra reported Jan. 27.

Private equity groups have had a strong start to 2022, amplifying their position in the ASC industry. 

One GI added Terre Haute, Ind.-based Digestive Health Associates to its network, the gastroenterology management company said Jan. 13. 

Vision Innovation Partners has acquired Memorial Eye Institute, a practice and ASC with two locations in Harrisburg, Pa., the eye care platform said Jan. 10. 

The ophthalmology industry is off to a prosperous start in 2022, with nine partnerships, acquisitions and expansions announced in the last week. 

Hamilton, N.J.-based Campus Eye Group and Levittown, Pa.-based Total Eye Care have inked a deal with Beekman Investment Partners to accelerate growth, the private equity firm said Jan. 6. 

Gastrointestinal management organization U.S. Digestive Health has added Philadelphia-based Gastrointestinal Specialists to its network, U.S. Digestive Health said Jan. 4. 

Many financial sponsors have entered the physician practice management arena space in such specialties as primary care, orthopedics, urology, dermatology, pediatrics, radiology, anesthesia, and women's health, to name a few. 

Private equity companies have made several moves to strengthen their presence in the ASC industry.

Most practices acquired and funded by private equity firms from 2000 to 2020 were in the South, according to a cross-sectional study published Nov. 1 in JAMA Surgery. 

The number of surgical services and facilities funded and acquired by private equity firms has increased over the past 20 years, according to a cross sectional study published Nov. 1 in JAMA Surgery. 

Orthopedic Ambulatory Surgery Center of Chesterfield (Mo.) snagged Lync Healthcare Partners as a private equity partner. 

For Melissa Hermanson, RN, private equity investors and ASCs must share a mission and values to have a mutually beneficial relationship.