Emily Grant, Author at AMSURG

AMSURG Urges Early Screening Amid Rising Colon Cancer Rates During Awareness Month

March 3, 2025 by Emily Grant

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 3, 2025 — As Colon Cancer Awareness Month kicks off, AMSURG, a national leader in ambulatory surgery center services and gastrointestinal (GI) care, is emphasizing the critical importance of early screening and prevention of the disease. The company’s campaign aims to educate Americans about the warning signs of colon cancer while increasing access to life-saving colonoscopies in light of rising rates among young adults.

“Colon cancer is preventable with appropriate screening and highly treatable when detected early, and yet, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death and is rising in incidence, especially among younger populations, according to the American Cancer Society,” said AMSURG Chief Clinical Officer Abbey Vandersall, MD, MS. “At AMSURG, we support over a million patients a year through their colonoscopies and see firsthand the challenges patients face when it comes to screening. That’s why we’re committed to breaking down barriers — whether through innovative partnerships or by improving education, access and affordability — all of which are crucial to enabling early detection and saving lives.”

AMSURG partners with more than 1,300 GI physicians across the country, providing high-quality care and advancing colon cancer prevention efforts. These physicians play a vital role in creating prevention plans, identifying pre-cancerous polyps, diagnosing colon cancer and guiding patients through treatment.

“Our network of GI physicians works tirelessly on the front lines of the fight against colon cancer, providing high-quality care and performing life-saving screenings every day,” shared AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD, MACG. “Their commitment to early detection and prevention is at the heart of our mission. Through collaboration, education and ongoing advancements, we are dedicated to beating this preventable disease.”

A colonoscopy is the most thorough screening test. It enables physicians to examine the entire colon to identify and remove polyps before they pose a greater health risk to patients. Individuals should consult a physician if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms or have questions about when they should be screened.

To learn more about colorectal cancer or where to schedule a colonoscopy, visit StopColonCancerNow.com.

About AMSURG

AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In partnership with physicians and health systems, the organization delivers high-quality patient care across a diverse spectrum of medical specialties, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. With a focus on strategic growth and innovation, AMSURG is committed to transforming the future of ambulatory surgery center care and services. To learn more about AMSURG, visit www.amsurg.com.

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AMSURG Contact:

Anna Peacock

Manager, Public Relations

AMSURG

Anna.Peacock@AMSURG.com

Four AMSURG Centers Recognized With Prestigious Press Ganey 2024 Human Experience Awards

February 12, 2025 by Emily Grant

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, February 12, 2025 — Four AMSURG centers were recognized by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services, as a part of the 2024 Human Experience Awards. The honors are included in Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the country’s top hospitals and health systems, based on patient and employee experience performance. The annual awards are selected from a competitive pool of more than 4,400 facilities.

The 2024 Pinnacle of Excellence Award is an honor that recognizes the top performers based on results of designated survey measures for the three-year award period. Winners are selected by volume-based subgroups using data from April 2021 to March 2024. AMSURG Pinnacle of Excellence Centers are as follows:

Harford Endoscopy Center (Bel Air, Maryland)

Phoenix Endoscopy (Phoenix, Arizona)

Woodlands Endoscopy Center (Woodlands, Texas)

The Guardian of Excellence Award honors centers with 95th percentile or higher scores on survey measures. The honor is given annually to organizations with sustained performance within the top 5 percent for the reporting period from April 2023 to March 2024. The 2024 AMSURG Centers that were awarded the Guardian of Excellence Award are as follows:

Endoscopy Center of Southeast Texas (Beaumont, Texas)

Woodlands Endoscopy Center (Woodlands, Texas)

“Receiving this recognition from Press Ganey is a testament to AMSURG’s unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centered, high-quality, cost-effective care,” said AMSURG Chief Clinical Officer Abbey Vandersall, MD, MS. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication displayed by our teams at these four centers and the life-changing care provided every day by all of our centers across the nation.”

For more information about AMSURG and its award-winning centers, visit www.amsurg.com.

About AMSURG

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AMSURG Contact:

Anna Peacock

Manager, Public Relations

AMSURG

Anna.Peacock@AMSURG.com

AMSURG Anesthesia Celebrates Teammates’ Role in Excellent Patient Care

January 24, 2025 by Emily Grant

The AMSURG Anesthesia network is composed of skilled, team-centric anesthesia providers committed to quality care in ambulatory surgery.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists prioritize patient safety and provide optimal anesthesia care at AMSURG ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

Over a two-week period, AMSURG joins the nation in honoring these essential members of our healthcare team who collaborate with each center’s staff to create a supportive environment and advance best practices in anesthesia care.

Celebrating CRNAs for Their Dedication to Patient Care

During National CRNA Week (Jan. 19-25) AMSURG proudly celebrates these medical professionals for their dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to outstanding patient care.

More than 700 CRNAs are affiliated with the AMSURG Anesthesia network. These individuals consistently provide exceptional care to our patients across more than 55 AMSURG ASCs.

One of these CRNAs is Evan Jones, who focuses on the well-being and care of patients at the Surgery Center of Volusia in Port Orange, Florida.

Jones said his 10-year affiliation with the AMSURG Anesthesia network has allowed him to grow professionally and network with other CRNAs while working independently.

“While working with AMSURG, one of my career highlights was helping to be a part of an ASC that has been recognized as one of the best in the nation [for 2024-2025] according to U.S. News & World Report, as well as being recognized as a ‘Center of Excellence,’” Jones said. “Knowing that my anesthesia practice helped assist in making this happen is very rewarding professionally.”

Center Administrator Jamie Whitmoor-Pryer, RN, CMSN, appreciates CRNA Eric Bartley’s dedication to Redding (California) Endoscopy Center and its patients. Bartley has been affiliated with AMSURG Anesthesia since 2014.

“Eric goes above and beyond for the center. He is always a part of our quarterly staff meetings, educating nurses and staff on different medications [and] sedation topics, and usually leads us through our mock code blue drills,” Whitmoor-Pryer said. “He is loved by all of the staff and deeply respected by the physicians. He is our ‘go-to’ guy for everything; [he] even helps fix things around the center, just because he can! He plays a vital role at our center!”

AMSURG Anesthesia Services Associate Vice President Ondee Whitman said CRNAs’ expertise and compassionate care go above and beyond every single day.

“Whether it’s ensuring patient comfort before a procedure, providing expert anesthesia management or being a calm presence in the operating room, these individuals exemplify the very best in patient-centered care,” she said. “We deeply value your advanced training, expertise and collaborative approach to patient care.”

Spotlighting Anesthesiologists for Their Hard Work, Compassion

During National Physician Anesthesiologists Week (Jan. 26-Feb. 1), AMSURG and the U.S. proudly celebrate these healthcare professionals who play an essential role in ensuring the safety, comfort and well-being of patients.

About 40 anesthesiologists are affiliated with the AMSURG Anesthesia network. These individuals deliver exceptional patient care before, during and after surgery at AMSURG ASCs.

One of these anesthesiologists is Steve Blicblum, MD, who works at Tampa Bay Endoscopy Center. Dr. Blicblum has been an affiliate of the AMSURG Anesthesia network for 13 years.

“At our ASC, we have direct, daily contact with our administrator who is proactive and high-energy and very responsive to patient needs and facility issues,” he said. “Working with AMSURG is and has been a pleasure because they are a corporation where you can find and actually talk to human beings who respond to problems quickly… Their #1 emphasis is patient safety, followed by #2 patient satisfaction and #3 staff satisfaction.”

Whitman said anesthesiologists’ skill and tireless contributions make the difference in the lives of our patients.

“We want to shine a spotlight on our physician anesthesiologists, whose hard work, compassion and unwavering dedication continue to make a profound impact in our ASCs,” she said. “You go above and beyond every day to provide outstanding patient care, and we are grateful for your expertise and commitment.”

AMSURG Anesthesia Partnerships Benefit Centers, Provide Career Opportunities

With over a decade of proven success in developing strategic and comprehensive anesthesia business models, AMSURG Anesthesia offers customized business development solutions to support the success of each of our partnerships’ anesthesia programs.

AMSURG Anesthesia helps CRNAs and anesthesiologists find the quality of life they’re seeking in a flexible and promising career path at premier surgery centers in highly desirable locations. These centers feature collaborative, supportive work environments and offer great opportunities for anyone looking for a new challenge or wanting to advance their careers.

If you are interested in joining the AMSURG Anesthesia network, our in-house recruiting team is here to help you find your best life and career path. Contact us at AnesRecruit@amsurg.com or 888.386.5524 to see what opportunities are available.

About AMSURG

AMSURG is the largest independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In partnership with physicians and health systems, the organization delivers high-quality patient care across a diverse spectrum of medical specialties, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. With a focus on strategic growth and innovation, AMSURG is committed to transforming the future of ambulatory surgery center care and services. To learn more about AMSURG, visit amsurg.com.

AMSURG Expands in Northeast Texas with Acquisition of Texarkana Surgery Center

January 23, 2025 by Emily Grant

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, January 23, 2025 — AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, has acquired an ownership interest in Texarkana Surgery Center, an outpatient surgery center in northeast Texas, near the Arkansas border. The partnership will bring operational expertise, advanced clinical resources and strategic guidance to the center and its team of board-certified physicians.

“AMSURG’s acquisition of the Texarkana Surgery Center represents a continued commitment to delivering exceptional outpatient surgical care,” said John Lamberth, Chief Development Officer at AMSURG. “Their skilled team and proven record of prioritizing patient experience, in combination with our support, make this partnership a seamless fit that will provide valuable contributions to the community.”

Texarkana Surgery Center’s physicians offer same-day procedures in multiple specialties, including ophthalmology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, gynecology and general surgery. The freestanding, state-of-the-art facility spans 17,000 square feet and includes four operating rooms and three procedure rooms, ensuring patient convenience and comfort.

The center is currently open and accepting patients. If you or someone you know could benefit from Texarkana Surgery Center’s care and services, visit texarkanasurgerycenter.com or request an appointment.

About AMSURG

Cataract Surgery at AMSURG ASC Restores Patient’s Sight

September 26, 2024 by Emily Grant

September is designated as Healthy Aging Month to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of vision loss.

Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide and of vision loss in the United States.

In the winter of 2023, Lissette Gonzalez became one of an estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older who have cataracts in one or both eyes.

Gonzalez, 50, noticed her vision in her right eye was slightly blurry. The Hudson County, New Jersey, woman made an appointment with ophthalmologist Hardik Parikh, MD, FAAO, at Palisade Eye Associates for a comprehensive eye exam.

“She came to me with a vision problem in her right eye,” Dr. Parikh said. “She wasn’t seeing clearly for the last few months. She was having a harder time working at her computer, tending to have to refocus constantly. Her vision at nighttime was also impacted. She was having a lot more glare than she was normally accustomed to.”

Dr. Parikh diagnosed Gonzalez with a posterior subcapsular cataract. This fast-developing cataract starts in the backmost part of the lens in the eye and blocks the center part of your vision where the light passes through.

A patient has two options when diagnosed with a cataract. They can wait and adjust their glasses or contacts or have cataract removal surgery. If not treated, cataracts may impair or cause complete loss of eyesight.

“I would definitely recommend the procedure,” Dr. Parikh said. “Cataract surgery overall is one of the safest procedures that we have in all of ophthalmology.”

Gonzalez determined her slightly blurry vision was manageable at that time and delayed cataract surgery. About 14 months after her initial diagnosis, Dr. Parikh said Gonzalez was experiencing light perception vision because of the fast-developing cataract.

“Even if we took a hand and waved it in front of her eye, going back and forth, she wouldn’t know that the hand was there,” he explained.

ASC Provides High-quality Outpatient Cataract Surgery

Gonzalez underwent cataract surgery on June 13 at River Drive Surgery and Laser Center in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

“River Drive Surgery and Laser Center is unique in that this center does only eye surgery,” Dr. Parikh said. “And so, every single person there — from the moment you enter the door to the nurse who’s discharging you and giving you your post-OP care instructions — is very familiar with eye surgery and knows exactly how to address questions and knows exactly what the patient’s concerns are.”

During cataract surgery, a doctor replaces the cloudy lens of a patient’s eye with an artificial lens. This intraocular lens (IOL) is a clear, plastic lens that becomes a permanent part of the eye.

Gonzalez selected a monofocal IOL, which helps with distance vision. With these lenses, you may still need glasses for reading or if you have astigmatism. Medicare and other insurance plans usually cover these IOLs.

Cataract surgery generally takes 15-20 minutes. The patient is usually at the ASC for about two hours.

“River Drive is an amazing place to operate, and the experience that it creates for patients is unparalleled,” Dr. Parikh said.

Gonzalez opted to undergo femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. In this procedure, Dr. Parikh designed a specific surgical plan with a 3-D image of her eye, called optical coherence tomography (OCT).

“This is a computer-guided laser that helps with certain parts of the surgery,” Dr. Parikh said. “We’re using technology to better augment a surgeon’s hands, making tasks easier, more efficient, more predictable and more standardized. It also corrects low levels of astigmatism. Anything that really helps with the patient’s outcome at the end of the day is a win for us.”

Patient Praises ASC, Physician for Care

Today, Gonzalez said her vision is better than ever. Her right eye is 20/20.

“Laser-related surgery is really putting yourself in the hands of professionals that can deliver results,” she said. “I walked out of there being able to see again. I had my sight back.”

Gonzalez has new prescription glasses to accommodate her left eye, which also has a small cataract. She plans to return to River Drive Surgery and Laser Center when it’s time for cataract removal.

“The moment I see fuzziness, I’m not waiting,” she said. “I know I’ll be going there for the other eye. And I know that I’ll be in good hands.”

Dr. Parikh said ASCs offer high-quality outpatient medical procedures for his patients.

“Being at an ambulatory surgical center is such an efficient process, not only for the healthcare system but also for patients in terms of minimizing how much time they spend both in the operating room and the facility,” he said.

Prioritizing her eye care and cataract surgery at an ASC restored Gonzalez’s vision and quality of life.

“My only regret was not doing it sooner,” she said.

Partner with AMSURG

AMSURG surgery centers provide world-class care for patients every day, making us a leader in the ASC industry, performing more than 200,000 ophthalmology procedures annually.

Physicians can greatly benefit from a surgery center partnership with national reach and perspective. AMSURG, along with its extensive network of more than 2,400 physician partners across approximately 250 facilities, enables independent physicians to realize their personal and professional goals through innovative management, clinical support and strategic services.

Click here to learn how AMSURG is investing in the growth and development of physician partners and find a clear path to grow your skills and enhance your career today.

About AMSURG

AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of approximately 250 surgery centers nationwide. In partnership with physicians and health systems, the organization delivers high-quality patient care across a diverse spectrum of medical specialties, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopedics. With a focus on strategic growth and innovation, AMSURG is committed to transforming the future of ambulatory surgery center care and services. To learn more about AMSURG, visit www.amsurg.com.

AMSURG, ASCs Observe Falls Prevention Week

September 25, 2024 by Emily Grant

Each year in the U.S., 37.3 million falls are severe enough to require medical attention, according to the World Health Organization.

“Falls can be a source of serious injuries to patients in an ambulatory setting,” said AMSURG Sr. Director Clinical Risk/Patient Safety Stacy Bennett, BSN, MSPSL, CPPS. “The good news is that a majority of falls are preventable. We want to increase awareness around falls and provide safe, high-quality care to all our patients.”

AMSURG and its ambulatory surgery centers are observing Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2024 from Sept. 23-27. This nationwide observance is organized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free Initiative to raise awareness of fall prevention, reduce the risk of falls and help older adults live without fear of falling.

Patients may say they feel fine after surgery; however, sedation medication could increase the risk of falling. Simple precautions, like assisting patients with dressing or standing near them in the room as they dress, can prevent accidents.

A Proactive Approach to Patient Falls Prevention

In July 2024, AMSURG launched Fall Prevention Awareness Month to bring special attention to how our ambulatory surgery centers’ center administrators and staff could lead the charge to prevent patient falls.

Inspired by the campaign, Center Administrator Donna LaCardi and Director of Nursing Charlotte Palushaj designed and wore T-shirts featuring yellow non-skid socks that read, “Please Don’t Fall for Me.”

“Their project was to inform patients [and] increase awareness of falls in a fun and creative way,” Bennett said. “This center has gone 118 days without a fall.”

AMSURG recognized several centers for their dedication to preventing patient falls through a weekly email campaign in July.

Center administrator Beth Barros said all patients who are identified as potentially having an increasing fall risk are given different colored slippers as a unique and confidential identification for staff members.

“The slippers serve as a visual reminder to staff that these patients will require extra attention, care and time following anesthesia,” Barros said.

Barros said the staff has been very cooperative with this new policy.

“They will be excited to hear that due to their hard work, they are being recognized for this achievement,” she said. “Occasionally staff will need to be reminded, but that has become more rare.”

Center Administrator Erin Groff, MSN, BSN, RN, CAPA, said leadership sought out staff feedback about why falls may occur at the centers and then helped everyone implement realistic measures into their everyday practice.

“One of the factors the staff thought was predominant was patients not understanding how anesthesia would make them feel after their procedure. We recognize that our patient population is mostly healthy, independent adults who don’t think they need assistance with things like dressing,” Groff said. “We encourage staff to use language that comes easy to them during patient education, so they don’t feel like they are reading off a script, which makes it easier for them to incorporate the education points into their normal conversation with patients. We have found this also makes patients feel more at ease and comfortable with receiving assistance with tasks like getting dressed post procedure.”

Center Administrator Marie Russell, RN, said maintaining patient safety regarding falls is a priority.

“After encountering patient falls, we knew we had to adjust our process,” Russell said. “Ensuring the patient has access to assistance, is seated while getting dressed and is wearing fall resistant socks has helped decrease the number of falls at our center.”

AMSURG Supports ASCs for Falls Prevention Efforts

To assist our centers in their efforts to prevent falls, AMSURG created a patient falls prevention bundle of educational materials that includes fall risk assessment, post fall huddle debriefs, best practices and center posters.

“During the July fall prevention lunch and learn, we put a call to action for centers to take the ZERO harm pledge,” Bennett said. “We accomplished increased awareness [and] visibility and highlighted the importance of reporting.”

The AMSURG Clinical Support Team celebrates our centers’ dedication to patient care and safety during our observance of Falls Prevention Awareness Week and throughout the year.

“We are extremely proud of all the efforts centers provided surrounding fall prevention and diligence toward patient safety initiatives,” Bennett said.

About AMSURG

Emphasizing the Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening and Evaluating Screening Methods

September 12, 2024 by Emily Grant

The FDA recently approved the first blood-based test for colon cancer screening, and we sat down with Dr. Jay Popp, gastroenterologist and AMSURG Medical Staff Lead, to learn more about the implications.

Due to the rising number of cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises individuals at average risk to undergo a baseline screening at age 45.

Regular on-time screenings remain effective tools in colorectal cancer detection and prevention. When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent¹.

Colorectal cancer screening methods include colonoscopy, stool-based tests and now a new blood test, approved in July by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“I welcome new [screening] options because there are certain patients who will not wish to have colonoscopy and also who will be uncomfortable submitting their stool,” said AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD, MACG.

What Is the New CRC Screening Blood Test?

In the new CRC blood test, a person’s blood is tested for changes in DNA that could suggest the presence of cancer or precancerous cells in the body.

Dr. Popp noted that the blood test is inferior to some popular stool tests. With this blood test, colorectal cancer is identified 83 percent² of the time when it is present.

“Blood and stool tests may be a reasonable option to detect colon cancer, but they perform very poorly when it comes to detecting precancerous polyps,” Dr. Popp added.

The only way to detect precancerous polyps is through colonoscopy, the “gold standard” of colorectal cancer screening.

“Colonoscopy is the only screening test that can not only detect colon cancer but also prevent it,” Dr. Popp said. “Since almost all colon cancers begin as a small growth called a polyp, during screening colonoscopy, these polyps can be identified and removed, thus preventing cancer from developing.”

Yet, many people decline colonoscopy for various reasons.

“Fear of the procedure and fear of what might be found could be a deterrent to some people,” Dr. Popp said. “The test requires a restricted diet the day before and laxative to clean the colon — another reason people may be reluctant to have the test. There could be issues with payment, especially in those who have no health insurance. Other issues include taking time off from work, perhaps obtaining childcare and arranging transportation to and from the procedure.”

Like stool-based screenings, if the blood-based test is positive (abnormal) a person will need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine if cancer or precancerous polyps are present. Follow-ups are recommended within six months following the abnormal test.

One-third of Americans Are Overdue for Colon Cancer Screening

An estimated 55 million³ people between 45 and 85 are eligible for a colorectal cancer screening in the United States. Yet, recent studies show one-third⁴of Americans are overdue.

Individuals should talk to their healthcare providers about which screenings might be good options for them.

“People with a family history of colon cancer, certain hereditary syndromes or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be screened earlier than age 45 and more frequently,” Dr. Popp said. “Finally, patients with digestive symptoms that may be experienced with CRC should seek medical attention regardless of age.”

It’s important to note health insurance coverage varies for colorectal cancer screening tests, so individuals should contact their providers prior to getting screened.

We would like to thank Dr. Jay Popp for sharing the considerations for this advancement in colorectal cancer screening options. AMSURG remains strongly committed to increasing awareness and screening for colon cancer prevention.

“As is often said, the best screening test is the one that gets done,” said Abbey E. Vandersall, MD, MS, AMSURG Vice President of Quality & Clinical Services. “We need to get more people screened, regardless of the method used. This is a preventable cancer, and losing over 50,000 people to this disease annually is unacceptable.”

[1] “Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?” American Cancer Society, cancer.gov, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html. Accessed 22 August 2024.

[2] “A Cell-free DNA Blood-Based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening.” The New England Journal of Medicine, https://www.nejm.org, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2304714. 13 March 2024.

[3] “Estimated Average-Risk Colorectal Cancer Screening–Eligible Population in the US.” JAMA Network Open, https://www.jamanetwork.com, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816965. 29 March 2024.

[4] “New Study Shows Most U.S. Adults Overdue for Colorectal Cancer Screening Report not Receiving Screening Recommendation From Doctor; More in Marginalized Populations.” American Cancer Society, cancer.org, https://pressroom.cancer.org/releases?item=1252. 11 September 2023.

AMSURG, LifeBridge Health and Woodholme Group Partner to Open the EndoCentre of Westminster in Westminster, Maryland

August 23, 2024 by Emily Grant

EndoCentre of Westminster to be Region’s premier Outpatient Surgery Center

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — August 23, 2024 — AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, partnered with LifeBridge Health and the Woodholme Group to open the EndoCentre of Westminster, in Westminster, Maryland, a gastroenterology outpatient surgery center. Located at 535 Old Westminster Pike, the 5,400-square-foot center contains two procedure rooms fully equipped with the latest technologies designed to provide patients with the utmost privacy and comfort.

“Furthering our partnership with the Woodholme Group and LifeBridge Health continues our growth as a leader in the space,” said John Lamberth, Senior Vice President of Development at AMSURG. “The team at EndoCentre of Westminster will bring an outstanding level of care and open access for patients in Westminster and the surrounding community.”

“Woodholme Gastroenterology is delighted to announce the opening of our new state-of-the-art endoscopy center in Westminster,” said Edward Wolf, MD, FACG, President Woodholme Gastroenterology Associates. “It is our mission to provide the highest quality of gastroenterology and procedural expertise to the people of Carroll County, Baltimore County, Frederick County and Southern Pennsylvania. We are confident that this sparkling new venue will be a center of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of GI disorders, a setting where patients will feel comfortable with our extraordinary staff, and a place of compassion in Woodholme’s quest to enhance the health of our patients.”

EndoCentre of Westminster is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and provides same-day procedure care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. The EndoCentre of Westminster enables patients and practitioners to access local, comprehensive and centralized gastroenterology care provided by their highly trained staff.

The center is currently open and accepting patients. If you or someone you know could benefit from the EndoCentre of Westminster’s care and services, visit www.endocentrewestminster.com for more information or to request an appointment.

About AMSURG

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org.

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AMSURG Contact:

Kelley Robbins

Director of Communications, AMSURG

Kelley.Robbins@amsurg.com

LifeBridge Contact:

Sharon Boston

Director of Public Relations, LifeBridge

svboston@lifebridgehealth.org

AMSURG Acquires River Road Surgery Center, a Premier Outpatient Surgery Center

July 30, 2024 by Emily Grant

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — July 30, 2024 — AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, has acquired an ownership interest in River Road Surgery Center, an outpatient surgery center in Salem, Oregon, a multi-use facility specializing in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and other procedures. The partnership will enable River Road Surgery Center and its affiliated physicians to maximize operations with clinical support and strategic services.

“The outstanding team at River Road Surgery Center offers an opportunity to further AMSURG’s support for multi-use surgery centers,” said John Lamberth, Senior Vice President of Development at AMSURG. “As we continue to grow, it is critical to find alignment with our core values of clinical and operational excellence, which we found in the River Road Surgery Center and its partners.”

Specializing in the treatment of conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat and facial features, River Road Surgery Center is a freestanding outpatient facility accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). River Road Surgery Center includes three operating rooms, offering a full-service center for the diagnosis, treatment and repair of head and neck conditions, including ear infections, hearing loss, snoring, sinusitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea, voice disorders, neck or throat cancer.

The center is currently open and accepting patients. If you or someone you know could benefit from River Road Surgery Center’s care and services, visit entsalem.com for more information or to request an appointment.

About AMSURG

Filling a Healthcare Need: How Ambulatory Surgery Centers are Poised for Continued Growth

July 25, 2024 by Emily Grant

By Jeff Snodgrass, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMSURG

As healthcare costs continue to rise in the U.S., addressing the drivers of unnecessary costs while improving the quality of care for patients is crucial. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which offer outpatient surgery services, are increasingly appealing options for physicians and patients. ASCs deliver outstanding patient outcomes from a growing list of surgical procedures while offering lower costs for patients and payers, including the federal government.

ASCs are tackling some of healthcare’s most significant challenges in major ways.

Reducing Costs for Patients and Payers

More than 80 percent of surgeries are now performed in an outpatient setting, according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA). ASCs are highly regulated, freestanding medical facilities that offer high-quality, high-value, same-day preventive services and surgical procedures focusing on patient experience.

For patients and procedures that qualify, a procedure performed at an ASC is a viable, cost-saving option. By choosing an ASC, patients’ out-of-pocket costs may be significantly lower for some procedures, as they don’t incur the higher fees associated with a hospital setting. Instead, the patient is discharged from the facility the same day as the procedure to safely recover at home.

For example, compare three popular procedures’ costs using a national average at an ASC vs. a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) based on data:

ASCA reports that non-Medicare patients choosing ASCs for procedures create $42.2 billion in annual savings in healthcare spending. Medicare patients being cared for in an ASC setting resulted in $4 billion in annual Medicare savings.

Technology is a Driver for ASCs

New advanced technology and techniques have made outpatient surgery safer, more comfortable, and more cost-effective overall.

Physicians at ASCs have added minimally invasive, robotics-assisted joint replacement systems at some ASCs. Advantages to undergoing this procedure include a reduced risk of infection and complications and less pain after surgery, reducing the need for pain medication. Patients experience faster recovery times, translating to quicker return to their daily routine.

Tristan A. Altbuch, MD, an AMSURG partner physician, performs robotics-assisted joint replacements at The Orthopedic Surgery Center of Gainesville in Florida. He said procedures at ASCs benefit patients and their recovery.

“Ambulatory surgery centers are designed for rapid recovery,” Dr. Altbuch said. “They’re designed for patients to easily transition from the pre-operative area to the surgical suite, to the post-operative area, to home, and they are experts at it. At our facility, we have an expert team of nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical techs, and recovery room nurses to help our patients get through this process seamlessly.”

In addition, some ASCs are integrating state-of-the-art technology using Artificial Intelligence in colon cancer screenings. This tool improves the findings of a colonoscopy by assisting our doctors in identifying polyps that can lead to colon cancer. The system also provides real-time analysis to enhance the Adenoma Detection Rate.

Doctors remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, reducing the risk of cancer development, minimizing the need for subsequent procedures, and empowering patients to receive timely interventions, leading to improved long-term survival rates.

The future is bright for ASCs as we work to address patients’ and physicians’ needs while lowering the cost curve for healthcare spending in the U.S.

Jeff Snodgrass is President and CEO of AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services. The company operates a network of approximately 250 surgery centers nationwide.

[1] “Procedure Price Lookup for Outpatient Services.” Medicare, medicare.gov, https://www.medicare.gov/procedure-price-lookup/cost/29873. Accessed 28 June 2024.

[2] “Charted: How the cost of 6 common procedures varies by setting.” Advisory Board, 18 September 2023, https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2023/09/18/procedure-costs. Accessed 28 June 2024.

[3] “Charted: How the cost of 6 common procedures varies by setting.” Advisory Board, 18 September 2023, https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2023/09/18/procedure-costs. Accessed 28 June 2024.