Envision Healthcare Announces Successful Confirmation of Plans of Reorganization

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Expects to exit with significantly deleveraged balance sheet and a focus on growth as a leading medical group

Nashville, Tenn. – (October 11, 2023) – Envision Healthcare today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division has confirmed its Plans of Reorganization (the “Confirmed Plans”).

Under the terms of the Confirmed Plans, which were approved at a hearing on October 11, 2023, Envision will eliminate 70 percent of its prepetition funded debt. Importantly, the Confirmed Plans ensure that Envision and AMSURG will remain strong partners to their valued clinicians, physician partners, clients, vendors and suppliers following the reorganization.

“I am pleased to have reached an agreement with our key stakeholders and look forward to emerging from Chapter 11 in the coming weeks,” said Envision Healthcare CEO Jim Rechtin. “The Confirmed Plans allow Envision to emerge from the process in a strong position to navigate the current healthcare environment and take advantage of future opportunities to grow while continuing to deliver high quality care to patients when they need it most. On behalf of our leadership team, I give my deepest gratitude to our clinicians, teammates, hospital partners, vendors and creditors for working through this process.”

Upon emergence in the coming weeks, Envision Healthcare and AMSURG will be separated into two stand-alone entities with separate leadership teams and owner groups. “I appreciate the collaboration with Envision leaders that has brought us to this point,” said AMSURG President Jeff Snodgrass. “We have built strong momentum as an organization that will propel our path to growth. I look forward to AMSURG’s next chapter and am grateful for the efforts of our teams, centers and physician partners that drive our success.”

The organization anticipates finalizing definitive transaction documents to consummate the Confirmed Plans over the coming weeks, subject to customary closing procedures and conditions. Envision anticipates emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings by the end of October 2023.

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Advisors
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal LLC is acting as financial advisor, and PJT Partners LP is acting as investment banker to the organization in connection with the restructuring.

About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

AMSURG Center Performs Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement to Restore Mobility

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Craig and Gaye Moody held hands as they strolled along the boardwalk near the Blue River Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan.

The Moodys walk to exercise and spend time together beside the St. Clair River, at nearby parks or in their neighborhood.

“It’s really good to have someone to walk with, and I knew he enjoyed it,” Gaye said. “We live in a subdivision that you can easily walk two miles just by going in and out of the various streets. So, it’s been a really important part of our life.”

Recently, pain and irritation in his left knee began to interfere with Craig’s walks with Gaye and other activities.

“Last year, I wasn’t able to walk as far and long as she could. It got to the point where I could only do a mile — and I could do it only at my pace,” he said. “The pounding of the concrete was very irritating and made it sore. So, that’s when I knew that something had to be done.”

Patient Chooses Robot-Assisted Surgery

X-rays verified that Craig, 78, had end-stage arthritis in his knee.

Orthopedic surgeon Rajesh B. Makim, MD, said Craig explored many knee pain treatments for more than five years. Nonsurgical measures included cortisone injections, physical therapy, weight loss and activity modification.

“He was using a cane,” Dr. Makim said. “His knee was very stiff and very painful, and it interfered with his activities of daily living. He couldn’t enjoy the things that he wanted to do.”

Craig opted to undergo robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery on June 14 at Blue Water Surgery Center, an AMSURG affiliated ambulatory surgery center.

“My knee wasn’t going to get any better,” he said. “Even with physical therapy before, it was just bone-on-bone. I just couldn’t move.”

In traditional and robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons replace the knee’s damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic joint components called implants.

For Craig’s procedure, Dr. Makim used a robotics platform. The system uses a CT scan of a patient’s joint to develop a personalized surgical plan. During the surgery, the surgeon guides a robotic arm to remove arthritic bone and cartilage from the knee.

Robotics is a “very sophisticated tool” used under the guidance of the surgeon, said orthopedic surgeon William Braaksma, MD.

“It is not a substitute for judgment or skill in the operating room,” he said. “It requires skill, and the surgeon has to know what they’re doing to make it work.”

The accurate and precise robotic technology allows surgeons “to do the knee replacement with very minimal soft tissue releases and to use the implant in the cuts to balance the knee,” Dr. Braaksma said. As a result, he said patients should experience “less pain, less swelling and faster recovery.”

Regaining Mobility, Range of Motion

Within a few hours of his procedure, Craig was discharged from Blue Water Surgery Center. The center provided a walker for him to use at home, where his wife kept an eye on his progress.

Two days later, Craig underwent a post-operative exam. He scheduled physical therapy sessions to assist with exercises to strengthen his knee.

“When they tell you to do some exercises, you do these exercises,” Craig said. “If you don’t do the exercises, you’re not going to get the benefits that the surgeon’s done for you.”

Craig’s dedication to rehabilitation paid off. Two weeks after surgery, he regained his range of motion and his strength. He transitioned from using a walker to a cane and then to walking unassisted.

“I had my balance,” he said. “I could move around the house without a problem. As long as I was on concrete, I was fine.”

Four to six weeks after knee replacement surgery, patients generally resume daily household activities, including walking, sitting, standing and climbing stairs.

Craig was cleared to drive after four weeks and mowed his lawn two months after surgery. The Moodys also resumed their daily walks together.

“He’s at the same pace I am, and he is not lagging behind. He doesn’t stop and turn around and go back,” Gaye said. “And, if he thinks he hasn’t gone far enough, he’ll go another block or two.”

Most knee replacement patients experience significantly reduced pain, improved mobility and a better quality of life.

“That’s one thing about knee replacement — it’s basically one of the most successful operations in orthopedics,” Dr. Makim said. “And, it’s one of the most life changing for people.”

Surgery Centers Benefit Patients

Around 790,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs
  • Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night
  • Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications
  • Knee deformity — a bowing in or out of the knee
  • Failure to improve substantially with anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, physical therapy or other surgeries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 50 percent of joint replacements will be performed on an outpatient basis by 2026.

Various factors determine whether patients are suitable for outpatient surgery, such as their age, existing medical conditions and the support they receive at home.

Dr. Makim said procedures at ambulatory surgery centers benefit patients.

“The operation is basically the same as what we would do at the hospital,” he said. “The costs are lower, and we have a more streamlined approach to getting people in and out of the door without compromising any patient care.”

Don’t Delay Your Treatment

October is Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month. It’s important not to ignore chronic pain in your knee, hip, shoulder or back, or your condition may worsen.

“Thankfully, nowadays, knee replacement surgery is a very safe operation that is enjoyed by literally hundreds of thousands of people a year in the United States,” Dr. Makim said.

As Craig’s activity level increases, Gaye celebrates her husband’s recovery.

“I’m excited because it’s good to see him excited and not hurting,” she said. “He’s back, and it’s wonderful.”

Craig said he views the prominent scar on his knee as “a success story.”

“This knee was shot, and now it’s not,” he said, smiling.

This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Celebrating Women in Medicine Month

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We are proud to represent the country’s diversity in our teams and the patients we serve. The women throughout our AMSURG network play an essential role in providing high-quality care to patients, supporting our teammates and creating healthier communities. This Women in Medicine Month, we thank them for their many contributions. Join us as we celebrate some of the women at AMSURG and all who are making a difference in medicine.

Abbey Vandersall, MD, MS

Dr. Abbey Vandersall is Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services for AMSURG. She joined AMSURG from Envision, where she was Chief of Staff to the President of the Medical Group and Chief Medical Officer before serving as Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Head of Envision’s Clinician Value Institute. As Vice President of Clinical Strategy, she defined the organization’s near- and long-term clinical strategies, while supporting Envision clinicians.

“My path in medicine has been unique, choosing to dedicate my career to supporting my fellow clinicians and fighting to improve the chronic, pervasive challenges within our healthcare system. While this was an unconventional move questioned by many, I was surrounded by female colleagues who believed in me and propped me up along the way. I am extremely grateful for these women who played such a pivotal role in my life and feel incredibly honored to be able to now pay it forward.”

Trupti Shinde, MD

Dr. Trupti Shinde is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at Citrus Endoscopy and Surgery Center and Suncoast Endoscopy, two AMSURG centers in Western Florida. In 2023, she received a SCOPY Award for clinical outreach and excellence from the American College of Gastroenterology.

“’Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women,’ is a quote I love by Maya Angelou. I hope that all my sisters in medicine will have the strength to stand up for what is right and fight against evil. Not only will this improve patient care, but it will also open the door for more women to enter this exciting field.”

Elizabeth Egan, MD, PhD

Dr. Elizabeth Egan is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at The Endo Center at Voorhees, an AMSURG center in Southern New Jersey. She has earned Top Doctor honors from multiple publications in New Jersey and nearby Philadelphia, including SJ Magazine (2011), South Jersey Magazine (2014-15) and Philadelphia Magazine (2018-23). “I cannot imagine having a more satisfying career. I love connecting with my patients. Being invited into their world and helping them meet their needs is such a privilege. I take joy in listening to them and providing them with guidance, warmth and reassurance. My patients are people I care about. They are family. I will go the extra mile to ensure nothing’s been missed and they get the best care possible.”

Lila Tarmin, MD

Dr. Lila Tarmin is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at the EndoCentre of Baltimore, an AMSURG center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Tarmin’s research in gastrointestinal oncology and inflammatory bowel disease has appeared in several professional journals.

“My legacy as a woman in medicine will be that my patients know that I listened and cared. I chose GI because my father had colon cancer at an early age, and I knew that this disease was preventable with tools, such as colonoscopies.”

From A Colon Cancer Survivor: Give Yourself the Gift of Life — Get Screened

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From Ryan Reynolds’ viral video of his colonoscopy to the tragic passing of 43-year-old actor Chadwick Boseman, more attention has been placed on colorectal cancer in the past few years. As a two-time colon cancer survivor who wouldn’t be here had I not trusted my instincts and been screened, I’m urging you to practice self-care and “get your rear in gear.”

A report published in JAMA predicts colorectal cancer will be the No. 1 cancer killer of people aged 20-49 by the year 2030. Let that sink in.

That shouldn’t be the case. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. And when it’s caught earlier, there’s a greater chance of survival. That’s why medical experts recommend people who are at average risk start screening at age 45 instead of 50. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer are at higher risk and should start screening even earlier.

At 46, I was raising my teenage son, working and leading a busy lifestyle. I was also suffering from extreme exhaustion. When my primary care physician suggested I get a colonoscopy, I thought I’d walk away with some information about my gut health that would help me make better decisions about my health. I never expected to be told I had Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to my liver.

I often think about how different life would be had I received my first screening a year earlier. Still, I am lucky and incredibly grateful to be alive.

After six years of surgeries, chemo, radiation, follow-up colonoscopies, another diagnosis, beating cancer for the second time and adapting to a new lifestyle with a colostomy bag, I cannot underscore the importance of timely screenings — especially a colonoscopy.

While there are different types of screenings, a colonoscopy is the only one that can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Even if you take an at-home test and receive a positive result, you still need a follow-up colonoscopy.

Let’s be honest, getting a colonoscopy isn’t necessarily fun. But it’s essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. In addition, there are ways to make talking about your gut health and the colonoscopy process less intimidating – dare I say, tolerable!

Trust Your Gut, Literally

I didn’t have traditional colorectal cancer symptoms, such as altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, but I knew my chronic fatigue wasn’t normal. In listening to my body, my care team was able to help me understand the source of my concerns and overcome my cancer diagnosis.

Be Open With Your Family

I didn’t have a family history of colorectal cancer. Still, that’s crucial information to know and share with your doctor. You’ll likely need to be screened earlier and more frequently. Likewise, if you have polyps removed or are diagnosed with cancer, tell your family. Encourage your family to be open. You can help save their lives.

Don’t Go Down the Dr. Google Rabbit Hole

If you notice any symptoms, tell your doctor and advocate for your health. Save yourself the time and headache of looking up plausible explanations and self-diagnosing. If you brush off your symptoms or delay care, you may put your health at greater risk.

Make Colonoscopy Prep a Party

The prep for a colonoscopy really isn’t that bad. If anything, it’s just inconvenient. That’s why I try to make it a party! When friends are prepping, I pledge to drink water with them. Each hour, I’ll text them a picture of my empty glass for motivation. The actual colonoscopy is pretty painless, quick and forgettable.

I beg you to trust yourself, listen to your providers and make poop jokes if it helps add some levity to a not-so-exciting topic. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we can generate and the more lives we can save. Give yourself the gift of life and talk to your doctor about when you should be screened.

Brenda Thompson Green is a two-time colon cancer survivor who has made it her mission to advocate for colorectal cancer awareness and empower people to take control of their health. She also works at AMSURG, a leading healthcare provider in the detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Envision Healthcare’s 2022 Clinical Impact Report

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Envision Healthcare’s 2022 Clinical Impact Report Illustrates the Many Ways Teams Cared for and Positively Impacted Millions of People

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, released its 2022 Clinical Impact Report, detailing the many ways Envision teams continue improving healthcare for millions of people by providing care when and where it’s needed most. The full report is available at ImpactReport.EnvisionHealth.com.

“In 2022, Envision clinicians and clinical support teammates remained steadfast in providing the highest quality of patient-centered care,” said Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “While continuing to make patients our top priority, we focused on creating programs and services to support the well-being of the clinicians that care for those who need it most. We made investments and improvements to support our team members and the communities we serve. From advancing clinical quality standards and building communities of clinicians to championing philanthropic ventures that uplift patients across the globe, our 2022 Clinical Impact Report provides a glimpse into the incredible work Envision teammates do daily.”

Envision’s second annual Clinical Impact Report illustrates the organization’s significant contributions to the healthcare community by highlighting its innovations in care and dedication to patients. The report details Envision’s work within the pillars of Care, Connection and Community, showcasing everything from colon cancer prevention initiatives to patients’ testimonials of Envision clinicians providing extraordinary care.

Delivering Safe, High-Quality, Patient-Centered Care

Envision clinicians provide integrated, high-quality care to patients throughout their care journey. In 2022, they treated patients in communities throughout the United States through the following:

  • 29 million patient encounters
  • 16 million emergency department and inpatient encounters
  • 8 million radiology reads
  • 4 million anesthesia cases
  • 1 million colonoscopies
  • 182,000 cataract surgeries
  • 144,000 newborn deliveries supported
  • 87,000 orthopedic surgeries

Care

Envision is empowering clinicians to provide safe, reliable care and advance clinical quality by optimizing the transition of care through evidence-based practices and nationally recognized standards. In 2022, Envision clinicians continued outperforming national quality benchmarks while treating complex medical conditions and authoring two Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-approved national clinical quality measures. Through programs like Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3), Envision teams provided patients the right care at the right time and in the right place. They also contributed to healthcare advancements. In 2022, the Research Institute team conducted clinical trials and published 161 research publications, helping Envision earn a top three award at the prestigious Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine World Congress in London.

Connection

Envision is providing clinicians with the tools and resources they need to treat patients without distraction, furthering its commitment to investing in teammates and empowering them to thrive professionally and personally. In 2022, Envision redefined its organizational structure to build a transformative care experience for patients and drive clinical innovation. Envision focused on programs and services that inspire, protect, empower and engage physicians and advanced practice providers to prioritize their wellness. Envision’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts led to the launch of four employee resource groups, helping foster community. In addition, Envision helped care for patients and teammates during times of devastation. Following Hurricane Ian, Envision provided medical supplies and financial resources to help individuals.

Community

The Envision Healthcare Charitable Fund supports Envision’s philanthropic efforts, working to make a difference in people’s lives at the local, national and global levels. In 2022, the Charitable Fund donated $4 million to more than 50 community organizations, providing awareness, education and support to a variety of causes. Envision worked with United Way to assemble hygiene and smile kits for 4,000 individuals and supported the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to reduce clinician burnout and promote well-being. In collaboration with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, AMSURG, a leading provider of colonoscopies, continued to educate the public about the importance of timely screenings to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. Envision also collaborated with Operation White Stork to deliver first aid kits to those on the frontlines in Ukraine. As part of their passion for improving healthcare worldwide, Envision clinicians and clinical support teammates cared for communities in need through Envision’s Global Health Initiative. They provided 495 patient consults in the Dominican Republic and performed 38 surgeries and 245 consults in Honduras in 2022.

To download and read the report, visit ImpactReport.EnvisionHealth.com.

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About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.

Patient Tells How His Hip Replacement Restored Mobility, Relieved Pain

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For years, John Bolt III enjoyed spending time outdoors playing golf and walking his dogs — until he started experiencing chronic pain in his right hip and back.

The Morehead City, North Carolina, resident said his pain limited his mobility and decreased his social time with his friends for about three years.

“I used to walk quite a bit with my dogs in the morning. I found that over an increasing period of time, it was getting harder and harder to get a full walk in,” John said. “And playing golf really became so painful that I just finally gave up on it.”

John’s pain also interrupted quality time with his wife of 54 years.

“My wife and I enjoy dancing,” he said. “For the last three years, prior to surgery, I pretty much wasn’t able to really get out there and dance. It was just too painful.”

Initially, physicians thought he may have had a sciatic nerve problem in his back. X-rays revealed the problem was actually in his hip.

Knowing Treatment Options Vary

Several years ago, John had a successful knee replacement surgery under the care of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas E. Bates. Because of that physician-patient relationship, he consulted Dr. Bates about his hip pain.

For any joint pain, Dr. Bates said nonoperative and conservative measures are explored first for treatment. Nonsurgical measures may include physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication and sometimes injections into joints.

After considering his options, John chose total hip replacement surgery. This procedure replaces the hip’s damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components called implants.

“The pain had gotten chronic, and it just never [went] away. And that’s pretty mentally debilitating as well as physically debilitating. I was really ready to try to get something done to get rid of the pain and to become active again.”

Each year, more than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

“Patients typically present with pain, decreased range of motion to their joints,” Dr. Bates said. “They sometimes have swelling and even mechanical symptoms that cause them difficulties when they’re doing certain activities.”

Orthopedic physicians might recommend hip replacement surgery if patients have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
  • Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
  • Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
  • Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or walking supports

Recovering From Surgery at Home

After COVID-19 delayed John’s procedure at a nearby hospital, physicians determined he was a good candidate for outpatient surgery. He had surgery in February 2022 at The Surgery Center of Morehead City, an AMSURG affiliated ambulatory surgery center.

“We typically do a case in the morning, and patients are home by lunchtime,” Dr. Bates said. “We have physical therapy coming to our center getting the patient up immediately [after surgery]. I think that decreases the risk of complications for patients and it also puts their family members at ease when they’re involved in the process.”

John was discharged from the surgery center the same day to recover at home. The next day, he started at-home physical therapy with a walker while awaiting his first post-operative appointment.

“I knew that walking was going to be the best thing that I could do from that point on,” he said. “I did all my walking indoors for probably the first couple of weeks.

Three weeks after surgery, he transitioned from using a walker to a cane to walking unassisted.

“And, within six weeks, I was released to go back to playing golf if I wanted to. So, it was a very positive experience for me.”

Returning to an Active lifestyle

More than a year after his hip replacement, John reports significant pain relief and improved mobility.

“I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to recover,” he said.

He and his wife walk about two miles every day with their dogs, and when the weather is suitable, he plays golf sometimes twice a week. He also enjoys date nights and dancing again.

The Importance of Not Delaying Treatment

If people experience chronic pain in the knee, hip, shoulder or back, they should not ignore these symptoms. They should discuss treatment options with a physician.

“Things have changed over the years since I first started doing joint replacements,” Dr. Bates said. “We have been doing outpatient total joints at our facility. That really has been a game-changer in the way of recovery and satisfaction from patients and their families.”

AMSURG teams always keep the patient’s health and safety a priority and look for the least-invasive and best way to repair patients’ hips or other joints. For surgical procedures, physicians use skilled techniques to improve patients’ mobility and help them maintain an active lifestyle.

“When [hip pain keeps] you from doing anything that involves any type of walking or movement … that’s just not a way to live,” John said. “Get [surgery] done, and then really work at the rehab part. I think that’s important. It gets you back to normal as quickly as possible.”

This is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.

AMSURG Centers Recognized by Press Ganey for Commitment to Patient Experience

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Several AMSURG centers were recognized for their exceptional patient care as recipients of the 2022 Press Ganey Human Experience Awards. The awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the country’s top hospitals and health systems according to patient and employee experience performance.

“We congratulate the excellent work that our AMSURG centers and teams are doing in providing high-quality, evidence-based, compassionate care,” said Nina Goins, MSN, RN, CPPS, Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services for AMSURG. “Receiving the award is a testament to the centers’ commitment to enhancing the patient experience and advancing the delivery of care.”

When patients complete their outpatient care, they are invited by Press Ganey to complete a survey about the experience with questions about the Likelihood to Recommend, Overall Rating and Teamwork. Using this feedback, hospitals and centers improve their processes and training to provide a high-quality care experience.

2022 Pinnacle of Excellence Award

This award recognizes the top performers in each category based on the performance of designated award survey measures for the 3-year award period. Winners are identified based on performance data from April 2019 to March 2022.

2022 Guardian of Excellence Award

The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes centers with 95th percentile or higher scores on survey measures. The award is given annually to organizations with sustained performance within the top 5 percent for the reporting period from April 2021 to March 2022.

Congratulations to these teams on a job well done.

Video: Dr. Sundararajan Says Colonoscopy, Early Detection Crucial to Preventing Colorectal Cancer

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Subha Sundararajan, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, knows most patients don’t look forward to their colonoscopy. But experience has taught her that patient education and compassionate, quality care go a long way.

“No one ever comes to the office saying, ‘Doc, I’m super excited to get my colonoscopy,’” Dr. Sundararajan said. “But once you explain to them that a colonoscopy is one of the most effective modalities we have out there for preventing colon cancer … and you show them how effective it is with the data and statistics, it really helps reassure people.”

The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend that patients at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) begin screening at age 45. Dr. Sundararajan says that decision comes down to detecting CRC as early as possible.

“So, the earlier it’s diagnosed, the more curable it is,” she said.

“So, go get your colonoscopy. I like to say, ‘Let’s make your butt beautiful, inside and out.’”

Video: Everyone Needs a Nurse Bonnie

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Bonnie Woodward, RN, affectionately known as “Nurse Bonnie,” lost her mother to colon cancer at a young age due to a misdiagnosis. She has since dedicated her life to helping save other people’s lives.

Nurse Bonnie cares for her community at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey. Through her work, she honors her mother and the countless patients she has helped prevent and overcome colorectal cancer diagnoses. One of those patients is Michele Battista, an 11-year Stage 3 colon cancer survivor who calls Nurse Bonnie her sister in blue.

“Everyone should have a Nurse Bonnie,” Michele said. Nurse Bonnie has helped care for Michele during her cancer journey, and in the process, they have become close friends.

“Colorectal cancer is beatable, treatable and preventable. Get your colonoscopy screening; it can save your life,” Bonnie said.

AMSURG Advocates for Timely Colorectal Cancer Screening and Education

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, is spreading awareness about colorectal cancer prevention and advocating for opportunities to improve screening rates and the health of communities across the country. As part of its efforts, AMSURG teams are engaging with legislators and industry leaders in Washington, D.C., March 10 and March 12-14.

John Popp, MD, AMSURG Medical Director, has been invited to attend the Cancer Moonshot Colorectal Cancer Forum hosted by the White House on March 10. He will join industry leaders in addressing ways to improve colorectal cancer screening. The event follows the Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s recent announcement that it is reigniting the Cancer Moonshot, which in part aims to increase colorectal cancer screening for people aged 45 to 75. The forum is scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m. ET, and a livestream can be viewed here.

“I’m honored to participate in the forum and collaborate with so many leaders dedicated to preventing and treating cancer,” Dr. Popp said. “We are at a pivotal moment in healthcare. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and it’s on its way to becoming the leading cause. Fortunately, physicians are able to help people prevent colorectal cancer and identify it early, giving them a greater opportunity to survive and thrive. Our AMSURG team has been at the forefront of that initiative, providing colonoscopies to patients and educating people about timely screenings beginning at age 45 for average-risk individuals.”

In addition, Brenda Thompson Green, a colon cancer survivor and AMSURG teammate, and Patrick Velliky, Vice President of Government Affairs for Envision Healthcare, along with a few AMSURG teammates, will be on Capitol Hill March 12-14, participating in Fight CRC’s Call-on Congress. They will help install flags on the National Mall, speak on AMSURG’s colorectal cancer initiatives and talk to members of Congress.

“The colorectal cancer facts are staggering – this year alone, 52,550 people are predicted to die from it,”  Velliky said. “That’s someone’s family member, colleague, neighbor or friend, and we, as a nation, have the unique opportunity to help them live. Cancer survivors and champions help put a name and face to the disease and are essential to spreading awareness and impacting the future of thousands of people. Engaging with policymakers on enhanced screening efforts is an important part of the ongoing fight against colorectal cancer.”

AMSURG and its national network of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons performed more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022, helping people prevent, detect and overcome colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method. Colon cancer survivors and AMSURG leadership recently talked about the importance of colonoscopies in the following videos:

  • Michele Battista was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 50 after a colonoscopy and has been treated by the medical team at an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center throughout her care journey. As she celebrates 11 years as a survivor, she continues encouraging people to receive timely screens.
  • Keith Lyons is a 22-year colon cancer survivor and endoscopy technician at an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center. After being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 32 following a colonoscopy, he has been dedicated to helping save the lives of patients, friends and community members.
  • Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG, recently talked with Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare, about colonoscopies and all that AMSURG teams do to care for patients and communities nationwide.

To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit StopColonCancerNow.com.

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About AMSURG
AMSURG acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) in partnership with physicians throughout the United States. AMSURG owns and operates more than 250 ASCs in 34 states and the District of Columbia with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. To learn more about AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare Corporation, visit www.amsurg.com.

About Envision Healthcare Corporation
Envision Healthcare Corporation is a leading national medical group that delivers physician and advanced practice provider services, primarily in the areas of emergency and hospitalist medicine, anesthesiology, radiology/teleradiology and neonatology. As a leader in ambulatory surgical care, AMSURG holds ownership in more than 250 surgery centers in 34 states and the District of Columbia, with medical specialties ranging from gastroenterology to ophthalmology and orthopedics. In total, the medical group offers a differentiated suite of clinical solutions on a national scale with a local understanding of our communities, creating value for health systems, payers, providers and patients. For additional information, visit www.envisionhealth.com.