Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast

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. 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, 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.

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.

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.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Michael Stuntz, Chief Medical Officer at Monterey Peninsula Surgery Center. Here, he discusses the increasing demand for outpatient surgery, strategies to improve patient experience, and the importance of financial transparency. He emphasizes the shift towards more efficient practices and local anesthesia, while maintaining a focus on patient satisfaction and cost-effective 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.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Jeffrey Flynn, Administrator and COO of Gramercy Surgery Center. Here, he shares insights on the growing challenges in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), particularly with increasing volume and value-based care. He discusses strategies for maintaining positive patient experiences and staying ahead in a shifting healthcare landscape. 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.

This episode, recorded live at Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Jerald Garcia, CEO of Hawaii Institute for Pain and The Surgical Suites of Honolulu. Dr. Garcia shares strategies for overcoming staffing shortages, improving patient satisfaction, and fostering a mission-driven culture to enhance the ASC experience.

This episode, recorded live at Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Jacob Rodman, CEO of Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic. Jacob shares strategies for addressing ASC growth challenges, including staffing and anesthesia shortages, improving patient understanding of billing processes, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.

In this episode, Kristopher Kitz, CEO of Wyatt Surgery Center, discusses the evolution of ambulatory surgery centers, the role of physician leadership, and the growing focus on specialties like spine, pain, and neurosurgery. He also shares insights on leveraging AI, enhancing consumer experiences, and navigating the challenges and opportunities of a startup ASC.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Elaina Turner, ASC Administrator at Commonwealth Pain and Spine. Here, she discusses the importance of prioritizing staffing and fostering a positive environment for both patients and employees. Turner also emphasizes the value of guiding patients through every step of their procedure, including transparent communication about costs, to build trust and satisfaction. 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.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Basil Besh, Founder of Precision SurgiCenter. Here, he discusses the transition of patients from inpatient to outpatient care and the role it plays in improving efficiency and outcomes. Dr. Besh also highlights the importance of maintaining open communication with patients to effectively manage their expectations and provide a seamless care experience.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.

Dr. Marvin K. Smith and Dr. Daniel B. Chan, leading orthopedic surgeons, join Becker's Healthcare to discuss their journeys in Sports Medicine and the evolution of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). They delve into the impact of higher acuity procedures on ASCs, strategic collaborations, and exciting developments in the field. This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech. To advance your ASC Learning Journey with Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s ASC Preceptorship Program, please email [email protected] episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.

Recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, this episode features Michael Gale, Administrative Director, Sentara Obici Ambulatory Surgical Center. Gale discusses strategies for managing ASC growth, enhancing patient education, addressing financial challenges, and improving clinical outcomes in the evolving healthcare landscape.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Ken Rich, President of Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic. Here, he discusses strategies for enhancing the patient experience, the advantages of operating a smaller clinic that fosters a strong work environment for surgeons and staff, and how prioritizing staff translates to better patient care. Dr. Rich also emphasizes the importance of cost transparency in improving trust and satisfaction. 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.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Rick Ngo, General Surgeon at Texas Hernia & Surgical Specialists. Here, he shares his approach to prioritizing the patient experience, from initial consultation through post-surgery care. Dr. Ngo also discusses the importance of providing individualized attention to each patient, even when managing a high volume of cases. 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.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Nyleen Flores, Chief Administrative Officer at Lake Oconee Orthopedics. Here, she discusses strategies for ensuring patient safety in the outpatient setting, the importance of finding and retaining satisfied employees, and fostering a culture that values all roles equally. Flores highlights how this approach strengthens patient-provider relationships over time. 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.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Tina Piotrowski, CEO of Copper Ridge Surgery Center. Here, she delves into the organizational challenges that arise when updating service lines and procedures, and how navigating these conflicts effectively can benefit operations. Piotrowski also emphasizes the role of clear communication in enhancing patient satisfaction and fostering a smoother healthcare experience.

In this episode, Dr. Ravi K. Bashyal, Director of Outpatient Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery at Endeavor Health, discusses groundbreaking research on infection prevention in joint replacements. Learn how his innovative use of advanced irrigation techniques has led to a remarkable 0% infection rate over three years, revolutionizing patient outcomes and healthcare costs.

This episode, recorded at the 21st Annual Spine Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + the Future of Spine Conference, features Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopedic surgeon at Connecticut Orthopaedics. Here, he discusses the evolving patient-provider dynamic, the impact of new technologies on patient care, and strategies for working smarter in healthcare. Dr. Redler also shares his experiences with medical missions and his commitment to opioid-sparing strategies.Disclosure: 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 and/or medical providers 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 accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. All statements and opinions in this podcast are the sole opinions of the guest. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Dr. Earl Kilbride, Surgeon at Austin Orthopedic Institute. Here, he discusses the importance of maintaining optimal staffing levels to ensure efficiency and safety, strategies for fostering alignment and communication among team members in a surgery center, and the value of taking a patient-centered approach to 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.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Joseph D'Agostino, ASC Administrator at Advanced Surgery Center Perimeter. Joseph shares insights on strategies to enhance patient satisfaction, foster financial transparency, and maintain a strong team culture amidst the growing demand for ASC services.

In this episode, Dr. Ravi K. Bashyal, Director of Outpatient Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery at Endeavor Health, joins the podcast to discuss his annual mission trips to Nepal with Operation Walk Chicago. He shares how his team provides free hip and knee replacements to underserved patients while training local providers, overcoming unique challenges, and fostering global collaboration to improve orthopedic care.

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.