Spine surgery and ASCs: Reimbursement trends and innovations

In this episode, Mark Davis, Adjunct Professor at the Forsyth Institute and former COO of the Miami Cancer Institute, shares his journey in operational turnarounds, driving patient satisfaction, and fostering a culture of excellence. Join this engaging discussion on the evolving challenges in healthcare and how strategic discipline and cultural alignment can lead to transformative success.

In this episode, Dr. Jason Koh, Orthopedic Surgeon at Endeavor Health, discusses cutting-edge advancements in regenerative medicine, robotic surgery, and AI, while addressing the challenges of declining reimbursements and rising costs in healthcare.

In this episode, Becker's Healthcare's Erika Spicer Mason speaks with April Spillane, Vice President of Health Economics at Barricaid. April discusses the surge in outpatient spine procedures, the challenges and opportunities surrounding reimbursement, and how innovations like Barricaid are paving the way for wider access and improved patient care in ASC settings. This episode is sponsored by Barricaid. 

In this episode, Sarah Sterling, CASC, Area Director of Operations for Sutter Health Surgery Center Division, discusses key growth strategies in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Sarah shares insights on tackling provider shortages through innovative training programs, leveraging AI for operational efficiency, and expanding into higher-acuity procedures.

In this episode, Tina Piotrowski, CEO of Copper Ridge Surgery Center, joins the podcast to discuss key industry trends, including the impact of CMS payment changes and federal leadership shifts. She highlights Copper Ridge's growth strategies, investments in robotic technology, and a renewed focus on enhancing patient engagement and communication for 2025.

In this episode, Dr. George Ozoude, Orthopedic Surgeon & Founder of the Movement Orthopaedic Institute, discusses his journey from employed practice to pioneering a direct-pay care model in Houston, Texas. Dr. Ozoude shares the challenges and opportunities of his innovative approach, the importance of physician autonomy, and how marketing and technology are shaping the future of orthopedics.

Neeraja Kikkeri, CEO at North Texas Team Care Surgery, discusses her role in overseeing safety protocols, staffing, and ensuring the facility meets the needs of various payment systems. She shares the strategies her team employs to address challenges in the surgical care field, highlighting a proactive and solutions-focused approach to delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Todd Currier, Administrator at Bend Surgery Center, shares strategies for boosting staff morale and providing education to enhance the patient experience. He emphasizes the significance of transparency with patients, covering every aspect of their procedure—from understanding their care plan to clear communication about costs. Currier’s approach highlights the value of a motivated team and open dialogue in building trust and delivering excellent care.

Elisa Auguste, Administrator at Precision Care Surgery Center and Vice President of the NY State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, addresses the critical challenges of access to care and rising costs in the healthcare industry. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive staff education, ensuring team members are well-prepared to answer patients’ questions and provide informed guidance. Auguste’s insights spotlight the need for proactive solutions to enhance patient access and deliver high-quality care.

This episode, recorded live at Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Jacob Corbell, CEO of Midwest Cardiovascular Institute. Jacob discusses the growing role of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in addressing critical challenges in cardiology, including improving patient access and reducing costs. He highlights the importance of efficiency, transparency, and strategic partnerships with local hospitals to drive innovation and enhance patient care in the evolving healthcare landscape.