Becker’s Healthcare -- Ambulatory Surgery Centers Podcast

M 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.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Claude Royster, Vice President and General Manager of Wellness at CareCredit. Claude shares how CareCredit credit card can help practices improve financial transparency, reduce administrative burden, and empower patients with a flexible payment option that can support access to timely, high-quality care.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.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Ira Kornbluth, President, Clearway Pain Solutions. He shares insights on building a successful, scalable practice, embracing technology like ambient dictation, and advancing interventional pain management as a key player in the shift toward outpatient care and opioid stewardship.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Zeeshan Tayeb, Medical Director, Pain Specialists of Cincinnati. Dr. Tayeb shares insights on the evolution of pain and orthopedic care, the strategic use of AI and outsourcing, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes, efficiency, and holistic patient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Ahmar Qasim, Area Vice President at Veradigm. He shares how MSK practices can unlock financial performance by leveraging technology, refining revenue cycle management, and cautiously integrating AI tools like scribing and coding into operations.This episode is sponsored by Veradigm.

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.

In this episode, Dr. Shirin Towfigh, Hernia and Laparoscopic Surgery Specialist at Beverly Hills Hernia Center, shares insights on advancing robotic surgery in ASCs, partnering with hospitals to scale care, and what it takes to build and sustain a top-ranked surgical center. She also offers advice for physicians considering ASC ownership and leadership.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Christopher Nanson, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Oregon Surgical Institute. Dr. Nanson discusses the rapid growth of outpatient joint replacements, the importance of clinical autonomy amid consolidation, and how creative bundled payment strategies are improving care access, staff satisfaction, and employer partnerships.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Michael Bottros, Clinical Operations Chief and Medical Director for Pain Services, Department of Anesthesiology, Keck School of Medicine of USC. He shares key trends in non-opioid pain management, the shift toward curative procedures, and how innovation, workforce investment, and care path efficiency are shaping the future of outpatient spine and orthopedic care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Shooa Mohammadi, Practice Manager at Northwest Suburban Pain Associates. Shooa shares insights on rising insurance influence, the growth of regenerative medicine, and strategies for workforce retention—all while emphasizing the importance of timely, patient-centered 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. Brett Shore, President & CEO at Shore Orthopedics and Orthopaedic Surgeon, DISC Sports and Spine Center. He discusses the shift of orthopedic procedures to outpatient settings, strategic payer partnerships, and the evolving importance of anesthesia care and Medicare considerations in ASC operations.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Tammy Smittle, Group CEO at SCA Health. Tammy shares insights on rising case acuity in ASCs, the importance of workplace culture in staffing, and how partnerships with health systems are shaping the future of orthopedic and 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 Aman Magoon, Co-founder and Chief of Product at Adonis. Aman shares how AI and automation are transforming revenue cycle workflows for ASCs, reducing administrative burden, and helping teams proactively resolve payer and compliance challenges.This episode is sponsored by Adonis.

This episode features Reid Zeising, CEO of Gain Servicing, as he discusses the hidden challenges in personal injury billing, the damaging impact of “medical sludge,” and how smarter revenue cycle strategies combined with technology can restore access and fairness in care delivery. He also unpacks key legislative developments and why true reform must go beyond surface-level change.This episode is sponsored by Gain Servicing.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Meredith Warf, CPA, DPT Chief Executive Officer, Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, US Orthopaedic Partners. Meredith discusses how her team is using AI and digital platforms to streamline patient access, enhance staff efficiency, and elevate the orthopedic care experience through smarter, scalable technology solutions.This episode is sponsored by Relatient.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Brett Spark, Co-Founder and President, Aroris. Brett shares insights on how independent practices can manage payer contract complexity, leverage digital tools, and protect revenue in an era of healthcare consolidation.This episode is sponsored by Aroris.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Scott Hannum, Partner at Emerge Ortho and President and Medical Director of Brunswick Surgery Center. Dr. Hannum shares insights on the shift of orthopedic procedures to outpatient settings, challenges with ASC regulations and reimbursement, and the role of technology and independent partnerships in driving future growth.

Ellington Jones, DrPH, MHA, MBA, FACHE, Chief Administrative Officer of Surgical Specialties at UC San Diego Health, joins the podcast to discuss the expanding services at UCSD Health and the key responsibilities within his leadership role. He shares insights on navigating reimbursement challenges, improving access to care, and the importance of having a clear, strategic plan for AI implementation. Jones also highlights the ongoing growth efforts at UC San Diego Health and how innovation is shaping the organization’s future.

In this episode, Marjorie Reiter, Administrator and CEO at the Surgery Center of Central New Jersey, shares her unconventional career journey, key trends affecting ASCs, and the leadership philosophy that guided a successful financial turnaround. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, workforce development, and putting patients first in every decision.

In this episode, Alfonso del Granado, Market Administrator for North Cypress Surgery Ventures, shares insights on trends shaping the ASC space, from minimally invasive spine procedures to key legislative shifts impacting growth, reimbursement, and site neutrality.

Eric Witte, DPT, MBA, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, joins the podcast to share insights into overcoming recruitment challenges and improving health outcomes in the communities they serve. He discusses key areas of operational improvement and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, stating, “It’s better to look uniformed than be uninformed.”

In this episode, Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs, founder of the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL, shares his approach to minimizing infection and recovery time in joint replacements, explains the financial pressures facing independent surgeons, and offers advice for future healthcare leaders.

In this episode, Alexandra Hogue, Director of Operations at Orbis Surgery Center in Houston, shares insights on ASC growth, navigating reimbursement changes, and how AI and automation are shaping the future of outpatient care. She also discusses the center’s expansion and the challenges facing Texas ASCs today.

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, Dr. Ashish Atreja, Partner, GlobalVenturesX & Professor of Medicine at UC Davis Health, discusses his groundbreaking work in digital health and AI-driven healthcare transformation. From implementing electronic health records to pioneering AI-powered solutions for patient care, Dr. Atreja shares insights on how technology is reshaping healthcare, the challenges of AI adoption, and the future of clinician and patient empowerment in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Beran, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Ambulatory at Northwell Health discusses the organization's strategic focus on expanding outpatient care, improving data integration through the Epic EHR transition, and advancing quality and safety initiatives across nearly 900 ambulatory sites. She also highlights the system’s leadership in behavioral health integration and chronic disease management.

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, Erika Spicer Mason sits down with Armando Cardoso, CEO of PayrHealth, to explore how strategic partnerships and smart reimbursement strategies can help ambulatory surgery centers thrive. Armando shares his insights on common challenges ASCs face, how PayrHealth works to maximize contract value, and what’s ahead as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve.This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech.

In this episode, Dr. Alex Vaccaro, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, joins the Becker’s Spine and Orthopedic Podcast to discuss groundbreaking advancements in spinal cord injury research, the role of AI in healthcare, and how robotics are transforming spine surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Darryl D’Lima, Director of Orthopedic Research at Scripps Health, joins the Becker Spine and Orthopedics Podcast to discuss the development of smart shoulder implants, their potential to revolutionize patient care, and the future of orthopedic innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Todd H. Lanman, a leading spine surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, discusses the latest innovations in artificial disc replacement. He shares insights on new technologies, challenges in insurance approvals, and the growing field of restorative motion surgery—offering hope for patients seeking alternatives to spinal fusion.

In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Grosso and Dr. Louis Levitt, Co-Founders of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics and MedVanta, discuss their physician-led MSO and how it is transforming musculoskeletal care. They share insights on value-based care, direct-to-employer contracting, and digital innovations that empower independent orthopedic practices to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Praveen Reddy, CEO of the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, shares insights on the future of spine surgery. He discusses the impact of robotic and endoscopic techniques, the shift to ambulatory surgery centers, and the role of value-based care in reducing healthcare costs while maintaining quality outcomes.

In this episode, Alan Condon is joined by Angie Jimenez, CEO of Puerto Rico ASC Holding, to discuss the company’s growth, innovative surgical programs, and the rise of medical tourism in Puerto Rico. Angie shares insights on workforce challenges, emerging trends in outpatient care, and exciting plans for the company’s fourth ASC.

In this episode, Rebecca Craig, CEO of Harmony Surgery Center, shares her journey in the ASC industry, discussing key trends like site neutrality, the challenges facing surgery centers today, and also offers valuable advice for emerging ASC leaders and highlights the importance of staying engaged at both state and federal levels.

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Lorio, Spine Surgeon and President of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, discusses the latest advancements in spine surgery, the challenges of modernizing reimbursement policies, and the push for greater physician autonomy.

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare podcast, Jakob Emerson sits down with John Brownlee, CEO and Co-Founder of Vidscrips, to explore the evolution of patient education through digital innovation. They discuss the impact of video in ASCs, how Vidscrips is simplifying video creation for clinicians, and the transformative potential of video-based education on the patient care journey.This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Meneghini, founder and CEO of Indiana Orthopedic Institute, shares his journey of building a vertically integrated orthopedic care model. He discusses the opening of their new flagship facility, strategies for maintaining margins amidst rising healthcare costs, and the role of partnerships, including with Hopco, in adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Alok Sharan, founder of Spine and Performance Institute, discusses the innovative advancements in spine surgery, including awake spine surgery, opioid-free rapid recovery protocols, and the future of AI in healthcare. He shares insights into how these innovations are transforming patient outcomes and reshaping the landscape of spinal care.

Dr. Philip Louie, Spine Surgeon and Medical Director of Research and Academics at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, shares why he is pursuing an MBA and the value of continuous learning in medicine. He discusses his approach to patient education and professional engagement through social media, how he is adapting his strategy to shifting algorithms and a potential TikTok ban, and his thoughts on the future generation of spine surgeons.

Hugo Ribot, Medical Director and CEO of Advanced Surgery Center for Women, shares his journey in establishing an ambulatory surgery center and the challenges of transitioning major surgeries to an outpatient setting. He discusses the benefits of "bundle-based rates" to keep costs affordable for patients and the importance of keeping these costs transparent to patients. Ribot also highlights the ongoing difficulties in recruiting doctors of this particular field.

In this episode, Dr. Craig McMains, Board-Certified Spine Surgeon at OrthoIndy, discusses advancements in spine biologics, the role of AI in surgical planning and patient care, and the future of innovation in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Chester Donnally III, Spine Surgeon at Texas Spine Consultants, LLP, shares how he is leveraging social media to provide reliable medical content to a broader audience. He discusses the different platforms he uses, how his reach varies across them, and the key healthcare trends he is following to stay ahead in the field.

In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Foret, Orthopedic Surgeon at Center for Orthopedics, discusses key trends in orthopedic surgery, including the shift to outpatient joint replacements, rapid recovery protocols, the role of artificial intelligence, and advancements in orthobiologics for cartilage repair. He also shares insights into the future of orthopedic robots and the growing focus on joint preservation research.

In this episode recorded live at Becker's Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, Helen Lowenwirth, Administrator at East Side Endoscopy, discusses the pressing challenges of staffing shortages, the importance of investing in staff development, and effective financial strategies for improving patient-provider relationships and ensuring the financial health of ambulatory surgery centers.Disclaimer: This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax, and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept 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. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

In this episode, Dana Herrera, Chief Commercial Officer of The Regenerative Medicine Institute, shares insights into the latest advancements in stem cell therapy, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the importance of patient education in regenerative medicine. Tune in to learn how RMI is pioneering innovative treatments to enhance healing and longevity.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Wes Battiste, President of Destin Surgery Center & Destin Anesthesia. Dr. Battiste shares insights on the critical role of staffing in maintaining a high-quality patient experience, strategies for retention, and the impact of financial transparency in ASCs. Disclaimer: This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax, and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept 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. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

In this episode, Mary E. Cassai, MPA, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Hospital for Special Surgery, shares insights on HSS’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in musculoskeletal care. She discusses recent achievements, future growth strategies, and how she is evolving as a leader in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Choll Kim, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon at Excel Spine Center. Dr. Kim shares insights into the rapid growth of spine procedures in ASCs, the importance of specialized surgical centers, and how minimally invasive techniques, patient education, and emerging technologies like robotics are shaping the future of spine care. Disclaimer: This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual business, financial, legal, tax, and/or other advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept 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. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

In this episode, Dr. Michael Ast, Chief Medical Innovation Officer at Hospital for Special Surgery, discusses key trends in orthopedics, the growing role of AI and robotics in surgery, and HSS’s expansion efforts. He shares insights on AI-driven tools improving efficiency, the future of personalized surgery, and HSS’s commitment to expanding high-quality musculoskeletal care nationwide.

In this episode, Dr. Scott Blumenthal of the Texas Back Institute discusses the evolution of total disc replacement, the ongoing challenges with insurance coverage, and the role of AI in healthcare decisions. With 25 years of groundbreaking research, Dr. Blumenthal shares insights on the future of spine surgery and patient advocacy.