The Federal Trade Commission approved a final consent order Aug. 25 that resolves antitrust concerns tied to Ascension’s $3.9 billion acquisition of ASC operator Amsurg.
The FTC voted 2-0 to approve the final order after a public comment period, according to a news release.
In June, the FTC said Ascension must sell seven Amsurg facilities across four states prior to completing the deal. It alleged the deal as originally proposed would limit competition for outpatient surgical services in gastroenterologists, ophthalmologists and orthopedists across Nashville, Tenn.; Panama City, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; Waco, Texas; and Wichita, Kan.
“Limited competition for these surgical services likely would lead to higher surgery prices for patients, while also threatening to lower the quality of care and limit surgical services innovation, the FTC’s complaint alleged,” the release said.
Under the FTC’s final consent order, Ascension must divest seven ASCs: six to SC Affiliates and the seventh in Panama City to be divested to Florida Gastroenterology Center.
Ascension must also notify the FTC prior to acquiring any ASCs in those areas moving forward.
Becker’s has reached out to Ascension for comment and will update this story should more information become available.
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