AMSURG Performs More Than 1 Million Colonoscopies in 2022

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AMSURG Performs More Than 1 Million Colonoscopies in 2022, Helping Prevent Colorectal Cancer and Save Lives

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, is continuing its mission to help people maintain their health and raise awareness about the importance of timely, appropriate screenings in the 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.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society predicts that 52,550 people will die from it in 2023. However, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Timely screenings – especially colonoscopies – play a significant role in an individual’s chance of beating colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method. During the procedure, a physician can examine the entire length of the colon, remove a polyp before it becomes cancerous and detect and sometimes remove cancerous polyps, giving people a greater opportunity to survive.

“Our care teams have made a meaningful impact in countless patients’ lives, helping them prevent colorectal cancer, detect it and continue ongoing surveillance,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “Still, so much work remains to educate people about gastrointestinal health and the importance of not delaying care. Even as people are making up for colonoscopies missed during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know more people are being diagnosed younger and that many aren’t receiving their first screening at the recommended age of 45.”

Research on the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer by AMSURG and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai supports recommendations by the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventative Services Task Force for individuals at average risk to begin screening at 45 instead of 50. However, AMSURG data shows that the average age of patients seen in its ambulatory surgery centers receiving their first screening is 57 – more than a decade late.

“As a 22-year colon cancer survivor, I’m begging people to get screened,” said Keith Lyons, an endoscopy technician at AMSURG’s Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. “I am living proof that you can survive and thrive. Nobody should have to experience what I did after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at 32 – surgeries to remove my colon, chemotherapy and so much more. I am very thankful. Now, I fight every day to care for others and give them a chance to live.” Watch his story to learn more about his colon cancer journey and mission to care for and protect people.

“Our team’s dedication to caring deeply for patients and helping them navigate some of their most difficult times is truly inspiring,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG. “We all play a role in caring for one another and raising awareness. Talking more openly about the signs, risk factors and screening recommendations for colorectal cancer is important. In doing so, anyone, no matter who you are, can help save someone’s life.”

Individuals with a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or pre-malignant polyps are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer and need to be screened earlier and more frequently. That also applies to individuals with a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal cancer symptoms are not always noticeable, but they can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. 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.

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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.

Video: Colon Cancer Survivor and Endoscopy Technician Urges People to Get Screened

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Second chances aren’t a given, which is why Keith Lyons is determined to make the most of his.

“I’m a survivor. I got a second chance at life, and I’m not going to sit on it,” said Keith, an endoscopy technician at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank, an AMSURG-affiliated ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey.

He is committed to helping others survive. In addition to raising awareness, he supports physicians in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer through colonoscopies at work.

As a teenager, he had an inflammatory bowel disease and didn’t like the thought of having to receive additional colonoscopies. Then, at 32, with the help of a trusted nurse and knowing the importance of his gastrointestinal health, he decided to get screened. That’s when he learned of his Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis, which he has worked to overcome.

“It’s an everyday fight. I’m not going to lie. But I’m still here to fight because I chose to get myself checked out.”

Now 55, Keith continues to spread his message of survival, encouraging people to get screened and using his experience to break stigmas around colonoscopies.

“‘Colon cancer is preventable.’ That’s my slogan,” he said. “Please get checked.”

White Paper: Social Determinants of Health

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Envision is committed to establishing best practices, implementing innovative approaches to care and advocating for reforms that will help attain the highest level of health for all people. As part of its efforts to improve health equity, the medical group released a new white paper examining social determinants of health and how clinicians and healthcare professionals can work together to address the social, cultural, economic and political factors that help or hinder individuals’ health.

Read the white paper here.

Introducing Candid Conversations

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I’m excited to introduce the new “Candid Conversations” video series, featuring Envision teammates in endearing and curiosity-fueled interviews.

We share stories about our lives and work caring for our communities. We also learn about the qualities that make us unique and find common ground on the ones that make us all human. Join us as we share some laughs and tears and gain a deeper appreciation for one another.

In this first conversation, Dr. Mansoor Khan talks about starting a business in a basement and caring for those in need through Envision’s trips to the Dominican Republic.


In my nearly three years with Envision, I’ve had the honor of meeting many of you. While these videos are snapshots of our interactions, I hope they bring us closer together and inspire you to create similar meaningful moments with your teams.

Look for more videos as we head into 2023 and engage with teammates.

In the Eye of the Storm

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When hurricanes happen, our thoughts first go to our teammates and partners in the path of the storm. Are they safe? Do they have the resources and support they need? But more than that, as a medical group, we have an obligation to the patients and communities we serve.

In preparation for Hurricane Ian, Envision leaders stood up the Incident Response Task Force, led by Dr. Brian Baxter, President of Alliance National Group, and Dr. Christopher Scott, Senior Vice President for HCA West Florida Region. “We have been doing hurricane response for years and have a good process in place for Florida, but Mother Nature gave us a break over the last three years. So, when hurricane season approached, we knew that we had to get ready,” Dr. Baxter said.

Sky Falls at Hospital in Port Charlotte

“No one anticipated the hurricane to turn toward Fawcett,” said Dr. Ali Vaziri, Hospital Medicine Site Medical Director for Fawcett Memorial Hospital.

In the days leading up to Hurricane Ian’s arrival, the team had been preparing for the storm, but all projections showed the storm moving north toward Tampa. However, on Tuesday, Oct. 4 the winds shifted, and the team braced for the Category 4 hurricane’s impact.

Dr. Alaina Hunt, Emergency Medicine Site Medical Director for Fawcett Memorial Hospital, was on point in the emergency department that day. “We knew from Hurricane Charlie that the ER flooded, so our team started by moving the ER up to the PACU, making a makeshift ER up there.”

Meanwhile, in the ICU, Envision hospitalists Dr. Michael Stagg and Dr. Elise Lambird were holding down the fort. The ICU is located on the fourth floor, making what that team did even more impressive, Dr. Vaziri says. “The roof of the ICU came off. Water started to collect and then started trickling down to floors below, causing the elevators to short out.”

Dr. Hunt and her team immediately jumped into action. “I immediately started assigning teammates to figure out where we could mobilize patients,” she said. “Our team started waking up and moving patients out of the ICU. Some patients were intubated and had to be manually bagged for transport.”

“One by one, the team carried patients down to floors below; wherever they could find a bed or a safe place to put them,” Dr. Vaziri said. “Truly heroic.”

At this point, the team began evacuating patients. Around 1,000 patients were evacuated from Lee County. Envision teammates at a different hospital in Brooksville took in several med-surg patients. Amy Nixon, DCI, Dr. Eric Sladek and Dr. Monicka Felix coordinated with the resident team to ensure patients were evacuated safely.

Scoping Out AMSURG Needs

Gulf Coast Endoscopy Center South, an AMSURG partner center in Fort Myers, was not immune to the storm’s devastating impact.

Teammates preparing supplies

“This team has truly stuck together through some of the worst times of their lives,” said AMSURG Director of Operations Alex Blair.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, Blair loaded a truck with supplies and headed to the ambulatory surgery center. Nearing the facility, Blair said she encountered a city that looked more like a war zone than a thriving tourist town, with debris piled on the shoulders of roads, non-functioning traffic lights and National Guard members at intersections guiding traffic.

As Blair and the Gulf Coast Endoscopy Center South team have demonstrated, recovery isn’t measured by what you put back up. The recovery process begins as soon as people come together to bring hope to survivors.

“I was encouraged to see how they stuck together when they themselves are struggling through the hurricane aftermath,” Blair said. “They prevailed. Safe. And together.”

Radiating Hope

As stories rolled in from teammates across the state, Radiology Services’ Chief Clinical Officer Dr. David Dascal and Senior Vice President Dr. Roi Bittane jumped into action.

Dr. Dascal (left) and Dr. Bittane (right) loading up supplies

“We had called all our radiology teammates in the area where Hurricane Ian had made landfall,” said Dr. Dascal. “A few responded, saying they were in need of assistance. For some, it was help getting off shift – one physician had been at the hospital for three days. Others needed supplies.”

It was Roi’s idea to deliver the supplies. “We made a list of the needs we were hearing from people and loaded up.”

The duo arrived in Port Charlotte and Sarasota with resources like generators, gas, water and canned foods and a ready willingness to lend a hand.

“We realized quickly that we were going to have to get creative to get to everyone,” Dr. Dascal said. “Roi is the military guy, so he had a tow rope and all kinds of other gadgets to help. I was in good hands.”

Road conditions in Southwest Florida on Oct. 4

Throughout the day, they traveled to any teammate they could reach, providing supplies, support and a friendly face. Dr. Dascal reflected on the state of his team. “They were all so happy to see us, but they were struggling.”

Thank You From Dr. Baxter, Dr. Scott and Envision

“I really just want to say, ‘thank you,’” Dr. Baxter said. “The collaboration across teams was incredible. Everyone worked together. Everyone was focused on doing what was best for patients and each other. No one complained or asked why. When things got hairy, they jumped right in. And that sentiment has been echoed all over by both Envision leaders and our hospital partners.”

“I am most proud of the teamwork and comradery that was displayed,” Dr. Scott said. “Everyone came together. Providers stepped up to help each other and ensure patients were safe. It’s one thing to be a company, but when we start to think of each other as family, it takes a whole different slant.”

At Envision, caring deeply for each other is core to what we do and who we are. No matter someone’s role, the city in which they live or their proximity to the bedside, we each are here to make a difference. As devastating as events like Hurricane Ian can be, they also can bring out the best in people and unite us as a team and a community.

Actors “Lead From Behind” With Colonoscopy Screenings.

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A simple bet between friends — and colonoscopy screenings — may have saved the lives of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The co-owners of the Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales made a friendly wager, which Reynolds ultimately lost. McElhenney bet that if he learned to speak Welsh, Reynolds would publicly broadcast his first colonoscopy to raise awareness regarding colon cancer.

The actors’ screening video launched the Lead From Behind campaign in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA). The campaign’s focus is to “help people learn that colon cancer is ‘The Preventable Cancer’” through timely screenings.

Research shows more young people are getting colon cancer. Now, leading healthcare agencies recommend screenings begin at 45 for those at average risk.

Both Reynolds (Deadpool) and McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) are 45.

“Part of being this age is getting a colonoscopy,” Reynolds said in the video. “It’s a simple step that could literally — I mean literally — save your life.”

Colonoscopy Saves Lives.

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US. But it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer is preventable through timely screenings.

Colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Through a colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Reynolds underwent his colonoscopy first. Following the procedure, Dr. Jonathan LaPook, his gastroenterologist, praised Reynolds’ thorough bowel prep. This preparation helped LaPook find and remove an “extremely subtle polyp” on the right side of Reynolds’ colon.

“This was potentially lifesaving for you,” LaPook said. “This is exactly why you do this.”

Later, Dr. Leo Treyzon, also a gastroenterologist, told McElhenney he found three polyps during his colonoscopy.

“They were small,” Dr. Treyzon said. “They were not a big deal, but [it was] certainly a good idea that we found them and removed them.”

The doctors recommended the actors repeat the colonoscopy in a couple of years.

Young People Are at Risk.

The CCA reports one in 24 people gets colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is not just a disease of the elderly. One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50. This is called early-onset or young-onset cancer.

Research indicates that people who are diagnosed when younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

For these reasons, screenings should begin at 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. People with digestive symptoms should be considered for colonoscopy regardless of age.

Don’t Delay Your Screening.

By 2030, colon cancer is predicted to be the top cancer killer for people younger than 50, according to the CCA.

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. Plans vary, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to verify your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the CCA Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist™ or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

A colon cancer screening may save your life or the life of a loved one. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a colonoscopy.

Envision Healthcare’s Inaugural Clinical Impact Report Details High-Quality Patient Care Initiatives

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, today released its 2021 Clinical Impact Report, highlighting its impact on patients’ lives and communities across the country last year. The full report is available at EnvisionHealth.com/Impact-Report.

“In 2021, we remained on the frontlines for patients, exceeding national care quality benchmarks and implementing new programs that improve patients’ access to the right care at the right time,” said Jim Rechtin, Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “We also made strides in enhancing our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Clinician Wellness programs. While there is no way to measure the true impact the Envision team has had on the millions of people we serve, this inaugural report provides a snapshot of the many ways we make a difference.”

Envision’s 2021 Clinical Impact Report demonstrates how Envision is providing care when and where it’s needed most. Last year, the Envision team rose to the many unique demands for care and drove positive changes within the U.S. healthcare system. Grounded in its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, the team continued combating the COVID-19 pandemic, responded to natural disasters and humanitarian crises and advanced innovative care approaches.

Envision remains focused on elevating the voices of clinicians and patients and championing solutions that improve the healthcare system for everyone. As the medical group moves forward in 2022, it will continue protecting the patient-clinician relationship, caring deeply for everyone and centering its actions on advancing the delivery of safe, quality care.

Making a Positive Impact
From providing lifesaving care to preventing colon cancer to welcoming newborns into the world, Envision is uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on millions of people in the U.S. In 2021, Envision’s 30,000 clinical and clinical support teammates and 4,000 ambulatory surgery center physician partners cared for America through millions of visits, including:

  • 30 million patient encounters
  • 16 million emergency department visits
  • 9 million radiology reads
  • 6 million anesthesia cases
  • 900,000 colonoscopies
  • 180,000 cataract surgeries
  • 132,000 newborn deliveries supported

Caring for Communities
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the medical group has helped lead the nation’s COVID-19 response, caring for patients and working to mitigate the spread of the virus. More than 500 Envision clinicians have traveled to hard-hit communities to provide lifesaving care and relief since the beginning of the pandemic. In 2021, Envision clinicians treated more than 3.4 million COVID-19 patients through emergency department and inpatient visits, including in the intensive care unit. Clinicians also administered COVID-19 tests and vaccines to first responders and community members. Envision continues to educate the public about the importance of getting vaccinated, leading by example through its commitment to having a fully vaccinated team.

Through its disaster response program and years of expertise responding to crises, Envision teams are helping community members navigate some of the nation’s most challenging times. In 2021, Envision clinicians cared for more than 5,000 Afghan refugees for five months until they were resettled and had the resources needed to begin their new lives in the U.S. Teammates also supported communities during the deep freeze in Texas, Hurricane Ida in Louisiana, the tornadoes in the Midwest and the Marshall Fire in Colorado.

Providing Safe, High-Quality, Patient-Centered Care
Through Envision’s commitment to a culture of safety, clinicians are continuously evaluating clinical protocols and developing best practices to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Envision operates one of 94 Patient Safety Organizations listed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services division, which helps improve the quality and safety of patient care. Through the Physicians Quality Registry, a Qualified Clinical Data Registry approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Envision is one of the largest submitters of performance data to Medicare and is helping define the quality of care nationally.

Last year, Envision clinicians developed one new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System measure. Clinicians also exceeded several national quality benchmarks, including measures regarding sepsis, non-opioid pain therapy and the care of babies born weighing less than 1,500 grams.

Empowering Teammates to Thrive
Envision is focused on caring for the people who care for America. In 2021, the medical group remained steadfast in its efforts to prioritize the health of its teams through its comprehensive Clinician Wellness program, which includes free mental health services, peer-to-peer support, crisis debriefs and leadership coaching. Envision also advocated for the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Act – a bipartisan bill designed to help change the culture and conditions that lead to burnout and eliminate the stigma that deters healthcare professionals from seeking mental healthcare.

Last year, Envision continued advancing its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program, raising awareness and providing teammates with educational opportunities and resources to support DEI. As a medical group caring for communities that reflect the country’s racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and economic diversity, Envision recognizes its responsibility to create a more just and inclusive society.

To download and read the report, visit EnvisionHealth.com/Impact-Report.

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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 to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. 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.

AMSURG Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

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AMSURG launched in 1992 as a pioneer in the ambulatory surgery center industry, originating a physician partnership model that endures today. Our original focus was endoscopy centers, but we quickly expanded to include ophthalmology, orthopedic and multi-specialty centers. Today, AMSURG is an industry innovator, advocate, and source for patients to find quality care in their communities.

AMSURG has grown from six partner physician groups in 1992 into a network of nearly 2,000 partner physicians at more than 255 facilities in 34 states and the District of Columbia. But our mission has never changed – to provide quality care when and where it’s needed most, providing enhanced access to services that improve and lengthen life.

Over the past three decades, AMSURG partner physicians have performed more than 25 million procedures across multiple specialties. What began with endoscopies has evolved to incorporate everything from eye care and pain management to the latest in orthopedic care, including total joint replacements – all in a same-day outpatient setting.

One of our proudest achievements came a dozen years ago when we launched StopColonCancerNow, a network of gastroenterologists that spans 32 states and the District of Columbia. Through their work with patients and public awareness and education campaigns, these clinicians combat the second deadliest form of cancer, colon cancer. AMSURG itself is a nation’s leading operator of GI endoscopy centers, and we provide cutting-edge research with Mount Sinai Health Systems and other partners to reduce health disparities and encourage more Americans to get screened for colon cancer earlier.

Advocacy and education are integral to how we serve patients. In 2012, we launched YourSightMatters, a campaign to raise awareness about cataracts and eye health. Today this coalition represents 300 ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and staff at 50 surgery centers.

AMSURG was publicly traded on NASDAQ from 1997 until the merger with Envision Healthcare. Revenues first topped $100 million in 1999. In 2000, AMSURG was named to Forbes’ list of Best Small Companies, which features the country’s most rapidly growing firms. The growth continued:

  • By 2002, AMSURG was a partner to 100 surgery centers, and by 2006 we were the largest ASC provider by the number of centers.
  • In 2007, AMSURG launched a multi-specialty ASC acquisition strategy. Today, we have 58 multi-specialty centers averaging more than 350,000 procedures a year.
  • By 2008, our partners were performing one million procedures annually.
  • In 2012, AMSURG established a health system partnership strategy, and today we have 57 centers with health system partners.

That year, we also finalized a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health to offer New Jersey area patients enhanced access to outpatient surgery services.

AMSURG merged with Sheridan Healthcare in 2014 and Envision Healthcare in 2016. That partnership enables us to make care more affordable and accessible to patients, champion wellness, and empower clinicians to improve the health of the communities they serve.

AMSURG Sees Increase in Colorectal Cancer, Urges Americans to Receive Timely Screenings

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in gastrointestinal care, is seeing an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses and encouraging Americans to receive timely, appropriate screenings and not delay care.

AMSURG data reveals that, in 2021, there was a measurable increase in advanced stage colorectal cancer and precancerous growths, called polyps, in adults of all ages compared to 2020. This increase might be due to patients delaying screenings and care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, AMSURG reported more than 200,000 patients had missed their colonoscopies since the start of the pandemic.

“Any increase in colorectal cancer is very concerning,” said Regina DeHart, colon cancer survivor and Vice President at AMSURG. “Having been diagnosed with colon cancer at 42, I know how important it is to have timely screenings. If the pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps are removed in time, there is a greater chance of surviving. Any delay in routine screenings – even by a year – can make a difference in saving someone’s life. People can thrive after a CRC diagnosis, but timing matters.”

Although colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., it is one of the most preventable cancers. As a leader in CRC screening, detection and prevention, AMSURG has been educating the public about the importance of timely screenings based on an individual’s age and risk factors. De-identified data from nearly 3 million colonoscopies performed at AMSURG ambulatory surgery centers supports recent recommendations to lower the first-time screening age from 50 to 45 for people at average risk.

Based on 2021 AMSURG data, people were on average 57.6 years old when they had their first screening colonoscopy. In 2016, the average person receiving a first-time screening was 58.5 years old – which was before the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force released guidance changing the age to 45.

“While the U.S. healthcare system has made progress in lowering the recommended screening age, too many people are starting their screenings too late. A lot of work remains to educate people and encourage them to begin screening at 45,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “Receiving timely and routine colonoscopies can save your life. If you are 45 or older, you should be screened. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or are experiencing symptoms, such as altered bowel habits or blood in the stool, talk to your physician about a colonoscopy regardless of your age. In addition, a positive at-home test should be evaluated with a follow-up colonoscopy promptly. When a colonoscopy is delayed – especially after a positive at-home test – there is a greater chance an individual will have more advanced cancer.”

A colonoscopy is the most thorough screening test. It enables physicians to examine the entire length of the 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.

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About AMSURG
AMSURG acquires, develops and operates ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) in partnership with physicians throughout the United States. As of January 1, 2021, AMSURG operates and holds ownership in 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 to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. 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.

Envision Healthcare Continues Meeting Demand for Care

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Envision Healthcare, a leading national medical group, continues answering America’s call for care as concern grows over rising COVID-19 cases and the fast-spreading Omicron variant. The medical group and its affiliated clinicians remain committed to providing high-quality patient care when and where it is needed most in 2022 and beyond. This includes fighting the global pandemic, providing patients complex and high-acuity care and helping patients improve and maintain their quality of life.

“The past two years, we have been called upon to take on the enormous task of caring for America during a sustained global health crisis. And every single day, Envision’s affiliated clinicians and clinical support teammates have answered that call,” said Jim Rechtin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Envision Healthcare. “It is an honor and privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team. Everybody cares deeply for one another, our healthcare partners and our patients while pursuing the extraordinary. This team makes a truly meaningful difference in the lives of millions of people. Looking forward, I believe we’ll make an even greater impact in shaping the future of care delivery and improving the health of communities.”

Providing Care When and Where It Is Needed Most
Almost two years after the first COVID-19 case was identified in the U.S., Envision Healthcare continues to be there for patients. From providing lifesaving COVID-19 care and administering vaccines to preventing colorectal cancer and expanding patients’ access to care, the 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers affiliated with Envision have been at the forefront, caring for communities across the country and world. Some of the medical group’s actions in 2021 have included:

  • Caring for millions of COVID-19 patients
  • Deploying 300 clinicians in 2021 to Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana and Texas to care for patients in communities overwhelmed by COVID-19
  • Providing medical care to more than 2,000 Hurricane Ida evacuees and 5,000 Afghan refugees
  • Caring for patients impacted by the tornado outbreak across the Midwest and South in December 2021
  • Donating oxygen concentrators to healthcare providers in India, enabling treatment of four to five COVID-19 patients simultaneously
  • Providing surgical and essential medical care to more than 500 patients in Honduras and the Dominican Republic as part of Envision’s Global Health Initiative to support the health of communities worldwide
  • Working with paramedics in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) program to provide the right care at the right time and in the right place to patients across 11 states
  • Supporting communities, including first responders and multiple professional sports teams within the NFL, MLS and MLB, with COVID-19 testing, vaccine administration and game-day medical support

Delivering High-Quality, Patient-Centered Care
As a leader in delivering quality care, Envision puts patients’ health and safety first. The medical group is continuously evaluating clinical best practices and implementing innovative care solutions to improve the health of communities. In addition to its robust quality programs, Envision operates a Patient Safety Organization certified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The group also has a Qualified Clinical Data Registry approved by CMS to help with quality measure development, data collection and performance reporting. Through the registry, Envision is one of the largest submitters of performance data to Medicare, which means it is defining the quality of care at a national level. These platforms help Envision’s affiliated clinicians and healthcare partners drive toward safe, reliable and high-quality care.

Envision-affiliated clinicians have provided nearly 300,000 virtual health visits since the program was expanded at the beginning of the pandemic. The virtual health visits are primarily in the areas of office-based care, urgent care, neurology and post-acute care. The medical group is enhancing its virtual health capabilities to improve patients’ access to the appropriate care.

Radiologists affiliated with Envision are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance disease detection, case prioritization and diagnosis for three common and consequential medical emergencies: intracranial hemorrhages, pulmonary embolisms and cervical spine fractures.

As part of a series of educational initiatives, the medical group has shared its clinical expertise and recommendations to improve treatment and patient outcomes throughout the healthcare system. Envision and its affiliated clinicians continue to address the nation’s most pressing healthcare challenges, including healthcare disparities, maternal-fetal care, opioid prescription misuse and opioid use disorder, strokes and clinician well-being.

Caring for the Clinicians Who Care for America
A core tenet of Envision’s mission is to care for the clinicians who care for America. Envision is committed to protecting clinicians and fostering an environment that supports their professional and personal well-being. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Envision has expanded its wellness program, which includes free mental health services, peer-to-peer support, crisis debriefs, leadership training and counseling. These resources are part of a comprehensive, systems-based approach that focuses on the unique needs of clinicians and is shared with the entire medical community.

While Envision has always prioritized wellness, the pandemic put significant pressure on clinicians, requiring them to risk their health and safety to care for millions of patients while navigating the challenges that already existed within the complex and dated U.S. healthcare system. Envision advocated for the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Act – a bipartisan bill named in honor of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician in Manhattan who died by suicide in April 2020 after caring for patients during the first COVID-19 wave. It is designed to help change the culture and conditions that lead to burnout and eliminate the stigma that deters healthcare professionals from seeking mental healthcare.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer
AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare and a national leader in outpatient care, has worked alongside its physician partners throughout the year to perform more than 900,000 colonoscopies, helping patients detect and prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. but one of the most preventable cancers. When detected early, CRC can be easier to treat, and patients often have better outcomes.

As more patients are diagnosed with CRC at a younger age, AMSURG is educating Americans on how they can prevent CRC and maintain their health. In 2021, AMSURG, one of the nation’s leading providers of colonoscopies, conducted crucial research in collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The teams’ findings support recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society to lower the initial screening age from 50 to 45 for Americans who are at average risk for CRC.

Leading the Delivery of Care Into 2022
In 2021, the medical group cared for more than 32 million patients across the country, drawing upon its collective expertise to improve patient outcomes and the health of communities. The multispecialty team is developing solutions to healthcare challenges, improving patients’ access to care and helping lead the country in providing value-based care. In 2022, Envision will continue sharing clinical best practices with the healthcare community and advancing the delivery of care.

As Envision fights COVID-19, it urges Americans to follow safe and effective public health measures. Everyone plays a role in caring for one another. COVID-19 vaccines are one of the most effective tools available at preventing severe illness and saving someone’s life. Envision encourages all who are eligible, including children who are at least 5 years old, to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive their boosters when appropriate. In addition, wearing a mask, staying socially distant and testing for COVID-19 remain effective ways to mitigate the spread of the virus.

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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 to more than 1,800 clinical departments in healthcare facilities in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Post-acute care is delivered through an array of clinical professionals and integrated technologies which, when combined, contribute to efficient and effective population health management strategies. 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.