Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast

In this episode, Brandon P. Hirsch, MD, FAAOS, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at DISC Sports and Spine Center, discusses the expanding role of telemedicine, key policy changes shaping patient access, and emerging disruptors such as endoscopic techniques and digital engagement. He also shares his perspective on national healthcare reform and its direct impact on spine care.

In this episode, Anthony J. Tortolani, MD, FACS, FACC, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the realities of declining profit margins and how leaders are balancing financial pressures with clinical excellence. He explores practical applications of AI in clinical medicine, including improvements in efficiency and less invasive surgical approaches, and shares why aligning strategic vision with day-to-day tactical planning is essential for long-term success in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Molly Van Oordt, Director of Specialty Account Management at NextGen Healthcare, discusses how orthopedic and MSK practices are leveraging automation, mobile tools, and AI to address staffing shortages, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient access as demand continues to rise heading into 2026.This episode was sponsored by NextGen Healthcare.

In this episode, Michael Verdon, DO, FACOS, Neurological Spine Surgeon at Transcendent Care, Inc., discusses the challenge of delivering the same high level of spine care with fewer resources and the expanding clinical applications of AI. He highlights where he expects the most meaningful growth in the next 1–2 years, including efforts to standardize patient care, and explains how technologies traditionally used in the operating room are increasingly migrating into the clinic to improve efficiency and outcomes.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Connecticut Orthopaedics. Dr. Redler discusses trends driving ASC growth, the role of advanced technology and AI in improving patient care and efficiency, and the benefits of collaboration between ASCs and health systems.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tara Good-Young, MSHA, CASC, CEO, PDI Surgery Center. Tara discusses trends driving ASC growth, strategies for leveraging AI and technology to improve efficiency and patient experience, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and providers to optimize operations and sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Brenda Fernández, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Puerto Rico ASC Holding. Brenda discusses strategies for financial stewardship, leveraging technology and AI to optimize ASC operations, and opportunities for collaboration and growth in the outpatient surgery space.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Nikhil Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares how independent ASCs are leveraging technology, lean operations, and price transparency to deliver faster, safer, and more patient-centered care while maintaining flexibility and efficiency in a growing outpatient surgery market.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ramis Gheith, Chief Medical Officer, DxTx Pain and Spine. Dr. Gheith shares how physician-owned ASCs are reshaping care delivery, highlights the transformative role of AI in spinal therapies and informed consent, and emphasizes the power of mission-driven culture in attracting top healthcare talent.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Bob Bishop, Chief Designer, JointSpace. Bob discusses how emerging technologies like blockchain and advanced digital tools are transforming ambulatory surgery centers by streamlining operations, enhancing patient care, and restoring direct, trusted relationships between doctors and patients.

This episode features Neal ElAttrache, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist and Chairman of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Foundation in Los Angeles, and Director Medical Services and Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon LA Rams and LA Dodgers. Here, he reflects on decades of caring for elite athletes, the evolution of surgical techniques that support faster and safer returns to play, and the role of mentorship, trust, and passion in shaping exceptional orthopedic care.

In this episode, Linda Bedwell, CEO, ASCend Specialists & Audra Wallace, Director of Clinical Success, Subflow Health, explain how ASCs can reduce burnout, modernize outdated processes, and improve financial performance by simplifying workflows and better supporting frontline teams. They share practical steps leaders can take now to build a more efficient and sustainable path forward.This episode is sponsored by Subflow.

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today's growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

On this episode, Dr. Nolan Wessell, Assistant Professor and Well-being Co-Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine joins the podcast to discuss the growing burden facing the spine field and how clinicians are adapting to rapid shifts in practice and policy. He shares insights on tracking government changes that impact research funding, the ways AI is improving efficiency and supporting clinical decision-making, and the consequences of declining reimbursements across the specialty.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Jeffrey Flynn, President of the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. He shares insights on market growth, the rising role of AI and robotics, and how partnerships with health systems are shaping patient care and operational efficiency in the ASC space.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Andrew Lovewell, CEO, Columbia Orthopaedic Group. He shares insights on the continued migration of cases to ASCs, the expanding role of technology, and how strategic partnerships and employer engagement are shaping the future of outpatient orthopedic care.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Geri Eaves, BSN, RN, CASC, CNOR CEO/Administrator, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Surgery Center. She discusses the market forces accelerating ASC growth, the transformative impact of robotics and technology, and how deeper partnerships and strategic leadership will define success in the years ahead.

In this episode, Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, discusses the evolving role of AI in research, the growing impact of motion preservation technologies, and the challenges insurance barriers pose to innovation. He shares how his team is planning for growth, advancing spine care, and educating patients on the expanding range of treatment options.

On this episode, James Mooney, Aa complex and minimally invasive spine surgeon with VCU Health, joins the podcast to discuss the rapidly evolving future of spine surgery. He explores how AI is helping standardize clinical decision-making, the continued growth of minimally invasive and patient-specific technologies, and what increasing AI involvement means for the spine field in the years ahead.

On this episode, David L. Skaggs, MD, Co-Director of Cedars-Sinai Spine, Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai, and Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Guerin Children's, joins the podcast to discuss recent innovations in spine care, including synthetic CT scans generated from MRIs and the advancement of outpatient pediatric spine surgery. He also shares insights on developing surgical tools tailored for physicians with smaller hands, and looks ahead at healthcare trends, particularly how AI-driven solutions can make care more accessible and affordable.

On this episode, Thomas Hutchinson, Administrator of the Surgery Center of Central Florida, joins the podcast to discuss the trends he's watching—including staffing challenges and impacts of government shutdowns—as well as electrophysiology ablations in the outpatient setting and opportunities for future growth.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Jeffrey Singerman, Administrator and COO, Manhattan Endoscopy Center. He discusses key market forces driving ASC growth, the emerging impact of AI on clinical and administrative functions, and how partnerships can strengthen recruitment, staffing, and long term sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. He discusses the rapid growth of ASC models, how AI driven tools are improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden, and why joint ventures and collaboration are key to strengthening patient care and financial sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Benjamin Levy, Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine. He discusses rising demand for colonoscopy driven by updated screening guidelines, the value of ASC partnerships, and how emerging AI tools are transforming documentation, polyp detection, and overall efficiency in GI care.

In this episode, Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA and President and CEO of Maxfield Healthcare Solutions, shares the top trends shaping ASCs today, including rising costs, anesthesia shortages, and the growing impact of AI. He also discusses technology adoption challenges, evolving specialties, and what he's watching for ASC growth in the year ahead.

On this episode, Dr. Scott L. Blumenthal, Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute, joins the podcast to discuss the latest insights in disc replacements, including new research and the root causes of complications. He also shares his perspective on the role of private insurance in patient access and breaks down the biggest disruptors he expects to shape spine surgery in 2026, particularly growing restrictions around advanced technologies.

On this episode, Dr. Debra A. Wong, Medical Oncologist at City of Hope and Medical Director at AccessHope, joins the podcast to discuss better supporting frontline oncologists in resource-limited settings, improving cancer care access, and the importance of not losing sight of the human element in care.

On this episode, Randy Robbins, MD, President of Valiant Anesthesia Associates, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of COVID on anesthesia, the importance of quality of care, and fostering strong physician engagement.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Patrick Garman, Executive Administrator, Spartan Health Surgicenter. He discusses key forces driving ASC growth, the evolving role of technology, and how physician-led decision making shapes effective partnerships and long-term sustainability.

On this episode, Janet L. Carlson, MSN, BSN, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, Vice President of ASC Operations at Commonwealth Pain & Spine | Advanced Surgical Institute, joins the podcast to discuss advancements with AI, the growth of the ASC space over the next year including the rise of multi-specialty centers, and how her team continues to prioritize patient satisfaction.

This episode features Tim Fuchs, Chief Growth Officer, and Amanda Whitener, Senior Director of Client Development at nimble solutions. They share actionable strategies ASCs can use to accelerate cash flow, strengthen revenue cycle performance, and stay proactive in the face of rising costs, increasing payer complexity, and ongoing industry uncertainty.This episode is sponsored by nimble solutions.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Nyleen Flores, Owner, Med Elevate Solutions. She discusses the forces accelerating ASC market growth, how deeper tech integration and AI are reshaping operations, and the opportunities ASC leaders have to strengthen efficiency and collaboration.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tricia Wollam, CASC Administrator, Alliance Surgery Center. She shares insights on the key trends driving ASC market growth, the impact of higher acuity procedures, and how technologies like EHRs are transforming efficiency and care coordination.

In this episode, Vijay Bachani, President and Chief Growth Officer of New York Bariatric Group, discusses ASC trends, expansion opportunities, and how partnerships, negotiation leverage, and high BMI capabilities position his organization for strong growth in the year ahead.

In this episode, Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center, shares insights on ASC growth through higher acuity cases, the impact of new CMS codes, and how innovation and culture are shaping the future of surgical care.

 In this episode, Dr. Mario Göessl, Director of Interventional Cardiology Fellowships and Transcatheter Valve Therapies at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, discusses the growth of structural heart disease interventions, the integration of AI in clinical practice, and the shift toward value-based, patient-centered care.

This episode recorded live at Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Greg Schooler, Chief Operating Officer, Cincinnati GI, CGI Anesthesia Associates, Anderson Endoscopy Center, LLC. He shares insights on maintaining ASC independence, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and care quality, and the importance of strong teams in driving long-term success.

This episode features Adam Hornback, BSN, RN, Chief Operating Officer of Hinkapin Health and Administrator of North Texas Team Care Surgery Center. He discusses transparent pricing, direct care models, and how ASCs can prepare for growth as more procedures shift from hospitals to outpatient settings.

In this episode, Melissa Rice, Administrator at Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center and part of Trinity Health, shares insights on higher-acuity cases, workforce resilience, data-driven decisions, and how strategic growth can strengthen care delivery.

In this episode, Myra Ray, MSN, RN, Manager of Surgical Services at Franciscan Healthcare, discusses rapid growth in surgical volumes, innovative recruitment and scholarship strategies to address staffing challenges, and how community support drives success in rural healthcare settings.

On this episode, EJ Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of 360 Orthopedics, joins the podcast to discuss AI advancements and growing the revenue base in specialty practice, the value of partnerships, and his approach to driving growth.

This episode was recorded live during Becker's 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs and features Claude Royster, Senior VP & GM of Health & Wellness at CareCredit and Cathy McDowell, President & CEO of KZA. Both Claude and Cathy discuss how deeper technology integration, multi-source financing, and strong industry partnerships can help ASC leaders streamline operations, reduce staff burden, and improve patient financial experiences.Disclaimer: 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. All statements and opinions in the podcast are the sole opinions of the guest.. Receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.