The 2026 Orthopedic Playbook: Automation, AI, and the Future of MSK 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.