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IMQ to survey Medicare- and Medicaid-deemed surgical centers. The Institute for Medical Quality can now survey ASCs treating Medicare patients to ensure CMS regulatory compliance.

Video surveillance captures anesthesiologist removing drug vials, but also exposes many female patients. Doc says other videos would clear him; hospital says it can't compromise "vulnerable, exposed" patients

iOS app coming soon for cataract surgeons. Bausch + Lomb, IBM putting data at docs' fingertips.

FDA: Custom Ultrasonics' AER OK to use for some endoscopes, but not duodenoscopes. The agency cancels its recall on the washers linked to the superbug outbreak, saying they can remain in the field for limited use.

CMS issues quality reporting data. Codes measure medical errors, patient care and clinical practices.

In Uganda, a vivid illustration of how the basics dramatically reduce SSIs. World Health Organization program helps hospital cut its rate in half.

Nation's first dual-licensed surgery center opens in Colorado. Inside the little-known CMS ruling that lets ASCs operate as timeshare properties.

Did hospital lack fire safety plan? OR fire reveals N.Y.C. hospital's safety deficit. Lack of prevention plan was "immediate jeopardy situation."

Woman left brain-damaged after gastric surgery blames manufacturer for insufficient surgeon training. The court sided with the company, noting that it met the FDA's requirements.

Who was to blame for unnecessary appendectomy? Radiologist mixes up CT scans, but hospital should take most of the blame, says jury in $6M verdict.

Researchers target the 7 deadliest and most expensive emergency surgeries. Together, they account for more than 80% of deaths and inpatient costs.

FDA Panel: Synthetic Cartilage Implant for Big Toe Should Be Approved. The Cartiva device is used to treat degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis.

No one recognizes retained objects, but judge won't toss negligence case. Two pieces of plastic film found in patient's uterus, but how did they get there?

Big companies offering big perk to employees: Free Surgery. More and more large companies are saving money by offering facilities flat fees for common procedures.

TJC defends its pain management standards. The organization notes that opioid prescriptions were already on the rise before it released requirements for treating patients' pain.

Dissatisfied patients? One hospital system is giving them refunds. The hope is it will pay off in improved patient satisfaction scores.

ENT doc sexually assaulted at least 5 patients, civil suits claim. 5 patients sue surgeon who allegedly sexually assaulted them. The Calif. physician has pled not guilty to the charges and is in jail in lieu of $3M bail.

New guidelines on overlapping surgeries. ACS releases new guidelines on double-booking surgeries. "Overlapping operations" are OK, but patients should be informed.

Failing grades in hand hygiene and injection safety. Hand hygiene, safe-injection practices sorely lacking at outpatient facilities. Study finds high failure rates in both areas.

FDA approves morcellation device, with a warning. Tissue containment system doesn't reduce cancer-spreading risk, agency says.