Becker’s Healthcare -- Ambulatory Surgery Centers Podcast

Amanda Ryan, DO, MBA, Chief Executive Officer and Physician Owner at Advanced ASC of Carlsbad New Mexico, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding reimbursements in the ASC space. She shares her focus on expanding services, creating new partnerships, and driving growth to strengthen her organization's impact in the community.

Armen Voskeridjian, Director of Anesthesia Services at Jefferson Surgery Center at The Navy Yard, joins the podcast to share insights from his recent foot and ankle study, including key findings and implications for patient care. He also discusses breakthroughs in outpatient surgery, particularly around the use of narcotics, and highlights the trends he's following that are shaping the future of the ASC space.

In this episode, Ashley Hilliard, MBA, MSN, RN, CPAN, Administrator of Piedmont Outpatient Surgery Center, shares insights on new ASC procedure codes, reimbursement challenges, and the impact of North Carolina's changing certificate of need laws on future growth.

Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (IFMC), Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia, Division and System Chief of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, and Medical Director of Perioperative Services at IFMC, highlights her focus on driving long-term success. She emphasizes viewing failure as a learning opportunity, building a culture of trust, and the importance of fostering community within an organization.

In this episode, Mark Mayo, CASC, Administrator at Associated Surgical Center, discusses the top challenges and opportunities for ASCs today. He shares insights on physician independence, regulatory changes, and how outpatient surgery centers can prepare for growth in a shifting healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Xiaofei Zhou, Associate Program Director of Neurosurgery at University Hospitals, discusses her journey into endoscopic spine surgery, her priorities for advancing education and patient care, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of minimally invasive spine procedures.

Kathy Meccia, RNBC, BSN, CNOR, CRCST, Nurse Administrator at Lake George Surgery Center, shares her perspective on transitioning from hospital settings to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She offers practical tips for running a successful surgery practice and discusses projected growth for the center in the coming months.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. John Lucio, Regional Chief Medical Officer, SSM Health. He discusses supply chain challenges, payer dynamics, workforce strategies, and the growing role of AI, wearables, and outpatient surgery in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Bruce Feldman, Administrator, Eastern Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center. He shares insights on the shift of higher acuity cases to ASCs, innovative workforce recruitment and retention strategies, and how health systems and vendors are shaping the next chapter of outpatient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. Dr. Abd-Elsayed discusses reimbursement challenges, workforce shortages, the rapid growth of outpatient care, and innovations such as minimally invasive procedures and enhanced perioperative pain management that improve outcomes and efficiency.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Omar Khokhar, Managing Partner, Illinois GastroHealth. Dr. Khokhar discusses the growing demand for GI care, strategies to navigate workforce shortages, the role of artificial intelligence in improving colonoscopy outcomes, and how financial transparency can strengthen trust between patients and providers.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Janet L. Carlson, Vice President of Ambulatory Operations, Commonwealth Pain & Spine. Janet shares insights on emerging trends in outpatient spine and orthopedic care, from smart implants and digital patient engagement to financial transparency and strategies for retaining top clinical talent.

This episode features Todd Currier, Administrator at Bend Surgery Center, sharing insights on key trends shaping the ASC industry, including mergers and acquisitions, expanding procedure types, and the growing role of technology and robotics in surgical care. Todd also discusses strategic growth plans and the ongoing need for advocacy in reimbursement policies.

This episode features Dr. Tan (Dan) Chen, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Geisinger, as he shares insights on advancing minimally invasive spine techniques, the promise of endoscopic surgery and systemic challenges facing rural healthcare. He also discusses emerging technologies in implant design, motion-preserving surgery and the potential role of AI in standardizing spine care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Sarah Carson, Administrator, Ascentist ASC Merriam, LLC. Sarah discusses her center's rapid growth since opening during COVID, their strong focus on pediatric care, and future plans to expand services through additional locations and increased pain management offerings.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Omkar Baxi, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon at Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Baxi discusses the evolving role of ASCs, the promise of AI in clinical workflows, and how financial transparency and patient engagement are reshaping orthopedic care delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Vinay Belamkar, CEO of Apollo Pain Center. Dr. Belamkar shares his insights on the challenges of chronic pain care, staffing in a competitive market, the evolving role of ASCs, and how AI and value-based care models are shaping the future of independent practices.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Levi Scheppers, CEO, Sequel Ortho, and Jason Ficken, Managing Partner, Quadriga Partners. They discuss how cultural alignment, physician-led decision making, and a long-term growth strategy are redefining private equity partnerships in musculoskeletal care.This episode is sponsored by Quadriga Partners.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features John Russell, Director, Area Operations, Sutter Health System Office. John discusses strategies to improve patient access, optimize surgery center utilization, expand hours of operation, and support sustainable growth in response to rising demand across the system.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Sean Gipson, CEO of Remedy Surgery Centers. He shares insights on payer market disruption, workforce recruitment strategies, ASC growth in orthopedics, and the transformative role of AI in operations and billing.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Fanous, Section Chief of Neurosurgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital, shares how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, augmented reality, and endoscopy are improving precision, reducing complications, and advancing outpatient spine surgery.

In this episode, Caleb Ashmore, PT, DPT, Orthopedic Rehabilitation Services Supervisor at Harris Health, shares how his team is evolving orthopedic care through evidence-based approaches, telehealth, and novel research. He also discusses the importance of meeting patients where they are—socially and economically—to deliver accessible, whole-person care in a safety-net system.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Alyson Engle, Interventional Pain Physician. Dr. Engle shares her perspective on shifting payer dynamics, workforce engagement, the growing role of AI, and how collaborative, patient-centered care models are reshaping independent practice and outpatient pain management.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Daniel Choi, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Owner, Spine Medicine and Surgery of Long Island. Dr. Choi shares how his independent practice is thriving amid industry consolidation, the critical role ASCs play in spine care, and how AI and independent dispute resolution are transforming operational and financial efficiency.

In this episode, Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia Orthopaedic Group, shares his perspective on the evolving role of AI in healthcare, market consolidation, and how his organization is expanding services and market share. He discusses the importance of collaboration, practical innovation, and staying grounded in patient-centered, high-value care.

In this episode, Emma Gimmel, Director of Nursing at Manhattan Endoscopy Center, shares insights on the evolution of ASCs, the expansion into new specialties, and how outpatient care can play a pivotal role in building a more affordable, resilient healthcare system. She also discusses upcoming regulatory changes and how the center is preparing for future growth.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Robert S. Bray, Founding Director, DISC Sports & Spine Center. Dr. Bray shares insights on the accelerating shift toward outpatient spine care, the rise of global payment models, the role of AI across healthcare operations, and the importance of creating sustainable pathways for the next generation of surgeons.

In this episode, Nyleen Flores, Administrator & COO of Lake Oconee Orthopedics, shares key insights on the future of orthopedic care, including digital transformation, ASC trends, and expanding access to innovative procedures. She also highlights the importance of leadership in navigating operational challenges and creating lasting change in outpatient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Earl Kilbride, Orthopedic Surgeon, Austin Orthopedic Institute. He discusses workforce retention through culture-building, the growth and permanence of ASCs, and how his team forms direct partnerships with employers while exploring high-acuity cases and innovative procedures like peripheral neuromodulation.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Lee Anne Carlisle, Medical Director of UMA Anesthesia, University Health Systems. She shares how her team tackled anesthesia shortages through a CRNA-focused staffing model, improved patient throughput and pain management, and enhanced efficiency with regional anesthesia programs.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Jack Dillon, CEO, Anesthesia Practice Consultants. He discusses anesthesia staffing challenges, evolving surgical schedules, and how outpatient growth and cross-specialty technologies are shaping the future of care delivery.

This episode features Elaine Dunn, Chief Administrative Officer, and Jessica Thurston, Vice President of Client Development at nimble solutions. They share how ambulatory surgery centers can improve revenue integrity through stronger documentation, analytics, and strategic payer and technology partnerships.This episode is sponsored by nimble solutions.

In this episode, Tammy Smittle, CEO of Stonegate Surgery Center, discusses the shift of higher acuity procedures to ASCs, direct partnerships with employers, and rising hospital investment in outpatient settings. She also highlights upcoming regulatory changes and her balanced approach to growth through physician recruitment, innovation, and strong internal relationships.

In this episode, Jennifer Friend, Chief Executive Officer and Owner at Friend Surgical Solutions, shares insights on key trends in ambulatory surgery centers including shifting procedure sites, AI-driven efficiencies and private equity's evolving role. She also discusses the financial realities facing ASCs and offers strategies for sustainable growth and care access in both urban and rural settings.

In this episode, Michael Gale, Administrative Director at Sentara Obici Ambulatory Surgical Center shares insights on the migration of higher acuity cases to ASCs, obstacles posed by certificate of need laws, and the importance of tailored patient care in today's evolving ambulatory landscape.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Joseph Lamplot, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist, Endeavor Health Orthopaedic & Spine Institute. Dr. Lamplot discusses consolidation in health systems, how his organization is navigating staffing pressures, the shift toward outpatient care, and the impact of AI and digital tools on efficiency and patient engagement.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Izzy Lieberman, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Texas Back Institute. Dr. Lieberman discusses the evolving role of spine care, challenges with social media in surgery, workforce trends, and the promise of data and AI in improving outcomes for patients.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Nikhil Shetty, COO of Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares insights on the shift to outpatient care, staffing strategies, the expanding role of ASCs, and the promise of AI in streamlining clinical and administrative workflows.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Mahoua Ray, CEO and Medical Director, Kansas Surgery Center. She discusses key trends including the migration of procedures to ASCs, managing staffing shortages, and improving patient communication around cost and coverage.

This episode features Dr. Robert E. Mayle, a fellowship trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement and practices out of California Pacific Orthopaedics. Dr. Mayle shares how his team built a high-efficiency outpatient joint replacement program by adopting data-driven technologies, fostering a culture of transparency, and continuously refining clinical and operational workflows.This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Pamela Mehta, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and CMO of The Good Feet Store. Dr. Mehta shares her journey in launching a cash-based orthopedic practice, discusses the shift toward outpatient care, and explains how financial transparency drives patient trust, loyalty, and improved clinical experience.This episode is brought to you by CareCredit.This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) makes no representations or warranties regarding this content and accepts no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Craig McMains, MD, Spine Surgeon at OrthoIndy, specializing in minimally invasive and complex spine procedures, discusses the benefits of a minimally invasive approach and its impact on patient outcomes. He shares insights into current trends in physician reimbursement, the expansion of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and how AI tools and data are shaping the field. Dr. McMains also emphasizes a patient-focused philosophy while highlighting efforts towards cost reduction and growth in spine care.