ASC Industry Leader to Know: John Seitz of Ambulatory Surgical Group

As an energetic leader with the ability to develop successful businesses, John Seitz is well-suited to his role as CEO of Ambulatory Surgical Group, an ASC development and management company in El Segundo, Calif. As company leader, Mr. Seitz oversees business development and operational and financial management of all ASG surgery centers, a role that gives him an interesting look at financial dos and don'ts for struggling ASCs.

In a 2010 interview with Insurance News Net, he talked about the financial viability of out-of-network ASCs. In a world where surgery center payments are controlled by powerful insurance companies, it might seem foolish to try to survive out-of-network — but Mr. Seitz said it depends on the facility. "It depends on the market, the payors and the physicians," he said. "There are still many markets, including California, where the differential between the in-network and out-of-network rates are so significant that you really need to look at it."

He said each ASC considering going out-of-network must take a careful look at its financial situation to determine whether the transition is a good idea. "You need to know your cost, know your margins and understand your contracts," he said.

Mr. Seitz has worked in the healthcare industry for 25 years in strategic planning, financial management and surgery center development. Prior to joining ASG, he founded three successful start-up companies, for which he served as either president or CEO. Most recently, he founded and headed Surgem, a New Jersey-based ASC management company that became financially successful in less than three years under his leadership.

At Surgem, he also recruited the management team and directed development and operation of eight ASC projects, as well as the successful acquisition and turnaround of an underperforming center. Mr. Seitz served as founder and CEO of Cornerstone Physicians, a nationally recognized medical practice management company, prior to founding Surgem.

Mr. Sietz graduated from Harvard Business School Owners and Presidents Management program and attended Western State University College of Law.

Read more on notable surgery center leaders:

-ASC Industry Leader to Know: Dr. Emanuel Haber of the Foot and Ankle Centre of New Jersey

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