Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Tracking Big Shifts in Health Policy and ASC Strategy with Alan Condon & Laura Dyrda
Jul 3, 2025
Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, joins Alan Condon to discuss major forces reshaping the healthcare sector. They delve into the implications of contentious health legislation, focusing on Medicare and Medicaid cuts. The conversation also covers strategic moves like Ascension's hospital acquisitions and divestitures for financial stability. Additionally, they highlight the rising influence of ambulatory surgery centers and the growing trend towards outpatient care as health systems adapt to financial pressures.
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Impact of Healthcare Bill
- The proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill" could cut Medicare and Medicaid, risking 17 million Americans losing coverage.
- Rural healthcare is especially vulnerable, impacting access and forcing hospital systems to reconsider their operations.
Ascension's Strategic Realignment
- Ascension is reshaping its footprint by acquiring a Texas hospital and divesting Michigan hospitals and clinics.
- This signals a strategic focus on profitable markets and stabilizing finances amid healthcare pressures.
Growth in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- Ascension's $4 billion deal to acquire Amsurg, a leading ASC operator, marks a big shift toward outpatient care.
- This reflects healthcare's trend of migrating complex procedures to ambulatory surgery centers for efficiency.