NueHealth announces expansion with four new ASC partnerships
NueHealth, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management and value-based care solutions company, recently announced it has accelerated its growth plans for 2026 by entering into four new ASC management and development partnerships across Missouri and New Jersey.
The agreements include established facilities and upcoming projects: Hackensack Musculoskeletal Surgery Center in Hackensack, New Jersey; St. Joseph Center for Outpatient Surgery in St. Joseph, Missouri; The Surgical Center at Columbia Orthopaedic Group in Columbia, Missouri; and the Surgery Center of the Northland in Platte City, Missouri, which is slated to open in spring 2026.
“Our ability to maintain local independence while accessing the tools and support to advance our center is invaluable,” said J. Michael Smith, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and physician partner at St. Joseph Center for Outpatient Surgery. “Working with NueHealth gives us the operational depth we need to evolve, without compromising the autonomy and culture that define our practice.”
In contrast, Hackensack Musculoskeletal Surgery Center and NueHealth entered a minority-equity joint venture, establishing a shared ownership structure supported by an integrated management approach.
“We want to make it more convenient and affordable for our patients to get the care they need and return to their lives sooner. That’s why we’re expanding our same-day surgery options, especially for bone, joint, and spine procedures,” said Mark Sparta, COO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “For our new Hackensack Musculoskeletal Surgery Center, providing the best and safest possible experience is our top priority. We chose to partner with NueHealth because their expertise will help us deliver the exceptional, high-quality care our patients deserve.”
Symmetry Anesthesia onboards five hospitals in five months
Dallas, Texas-based Symmetry Anesthesia, a clinician-led anesthesia organization, announced it has kicked off 2026 with strong momentum after onboarding five hospitals within its first five months of operation. Launched in mid-2025, the group now partners with eight hospitals and has hired more than 250 anesthesia clinicians across its expanding network.
“Our model puts decision-making back where it belongs – in the hands of clinicians – and the results speak for themselves,” said Symmetry CEO Phil Eichenholz, MD. Chief Anesthetist Officer Andi Damron, MS, CRNA, APRN, added that the organization’s early success reflects broad enthusiasm among anesthesia professionals and hospital partners for an approach focused on alignment and quality care.
Symmetry plans to continue its expansion throughout 2026, adding operational resources and creating additional opportunities for clinicians seeking a practice environment centered on professional respect and high-quality anesthesia care.
CMS final rule on ASC payments for 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and ASC Payment System Final Rule, which includes a 2.6% payment increase for ASCs in 2026. This change reflects adjustments for cost updates and productivity and is expected to help support ASC operational costs in an inflationary environment.
Sutter Health breaks ground on Advanced Cancer Center in Modesto
Sutter Health has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex in Modesto, signaling a major expansion of cancer and specialty care in California’s Central Valley. The $380 million, 165,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2029 and will serve as a comprehensive hub for cancer treatment and outpatient services.
The new complex will consolidate cancer screenings, infusion and radiation therapy, imaging, lab and pharmacy services, surgical care, and outpatient clinics under one roof. Patients will also have access to clinical trials and specialists from the wider Sutter Health network, reducing the need for long-distance travel for advanced care.
Sutter Health plans to staff the center with approximately 120 physicians and 400 team members, serving tens of thousands of patients each year. The project reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality care and addressing healthcare gaps in the Central Valley.
“This center represents our dedication to providing advanced, coordinated care close to home for the communities we serve,” said a Sutter Health representative.
Proliance expands access to workplace injury care in Seattle suburb
Renton, Washington-based Proliance Orthopedic Associates is expanding workplace injury care in South King County with a new occupational medicine clinic opening in Renton in February 2026. The Renton location will complement existing sites in Renton, Covington, and Auburn, offering same-day treatment for sprains, strains, fractures, lacerations, and repetitive-use injuries, plus on-site imaging and claim support. The expanded services also include fit-for-duty and return-to-work exams and employer health initiatives. Proliance’s integrated care model aims to reduce barriers to occupational healthcare and support healthier, more productive local workforces.
Mass General Brigham and Tampa General Hospital launch Ambulatory Care Network in Florida
Boston-based Mass General Brigham and Tampa General Hospital have announced a new joint ambulatory care network aimed at expanding outpatient services along Florida’s growing East Coast. The partnership will deliver coordinated primary care, specialty services, advanced imaging, oncology, and outpatient surgical care to communities in Martin, St. Lucie, and Palm Beach counties, a region home to more than 2 million residents.
“As one of the state’s leading academic health systems, Tampa General is committed to meeting the needs of Floridians by expanding access to world-class care,” said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General Hospital. “With this new ambulatory network, we are building on our strong foundation in Florida to ensure patients along the East Coast have seamless access to the highest-quality outpatient services. This partnership with one of the nation’s top academic health systems reflects our vision to lead in delivering innovative, patient-centered care across the state, while strengthening the health of our communities today and for generations to come.”
“This collaboration brings together two leading academic health systems with a shared commitment to clinical excellence and innovation,” said Anne Klibanski, MD, CEO of Mass General Brigham. “By creating a unified ambulatory network, we can broaden access to trusted physicians and advanced outpatient services, improve health outcomes, and deliver care that is more coordinated and patient-focused.”