Leadership

Fostering a positive workplace culture is key to running an efficient and profitable ASC. 

Seventeen years as administrator of Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites has given Greg DeConciliis, CASC, a deep understanding of the "art of communication" and handling outpatient migration.

A lack of high-functioning leadership can "dramatically affect" the culture of an ASC, according to Andrew Lovewell, administrator of the Surgical Center at Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group.

There are many reasons for ASC owners and operators to be optimistic. Patients and payers are demanding outpatient surgery, employers are seeking direct contracting opportunities with surgery centers, and ASCs proved a vital resource for elective surgery during the pandemic.

Comprehensive Surgical Care is planning an ambitious 20-ASC, $125 million expansion, but the company's CMO has a well-developed strategy to avoid staff burnout

One of the biggest threats to many ASCs today is the staff's lack of operational and financial knowledge about the center.

Trudy Wiig, RN, administrator of Kerlan-Jobe Surgery Center, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai, in Los Angeles, spoke with Becker's ASC Review on how she feels health systems can undermine their partner ASCs. 

Los Angeles-based DOCS Surgical Hospital is investing in employee retention and medical equipment in response to the growth the ASC has experienced in the past year. 

The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society named Jeff Blankenship its new board member, the organization said June 14. 

ASC administrators and staff have faced substantial obstacles in the past year as they've navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.