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

by

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

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.

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.

###

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

by

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

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 and CompEye Continue Growth, Jointly Acquire Alta Rose Surgery Center

by

Alta Rose Surgery Center, a leading ambulatory surgery center (ASC) for ophthalmology in Nevada, joins expanding partnership.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — June 18, 2024 — AMSURG, a leader in ambulatory surgery center management services, and Comprehensive EyeCare Partners (CompEye), one of the largest vision care practice management organizations in the nation, acquired Alta Rose Surgery Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The addition of Alta Rose Surgery Center expands the collaboration between AMSURG and CompEye, a partnership that now supports four outpatient surgery centers.

Alta Rose Surgery Center is a freestanding outpatient ophthalmology surgery center offering state-of-the-art cataract, refractive eye, laser vision correction surgery and other services.

“Alta Rose Surgery Center is known for high-quality care and providing leading ophthalmology services for its patients, fitting AMSURG’s model of clinical and operational excellence,” said John Lamberth, Senior Vice President, Development at AMSURG. “Partnered with CompEye, we look forward to supporting the outstanding team there.”

“As part of our mission to restore and preserve our community’s vision, Comprehensive EyeCare Partners is excited to expand our surgical footprint with the addition of Alta Rose. Partnering our team of expert eye care professionals with AMSURG will allow us to continue to meet the needs of a growing Southern Nevada population,” said Keith Hartman, Comprehensive EyeCare Partners CEO.

As an industry leader in outpatient care, AMSURG supports physicians in providing quality patient care through the management and operation of their ASCs. While AMSURG specializes in many areas of care, the organization has particular expertise in eye health.

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.

About Comprehensive EyeCare Partners

Comprehensive EyeCare Partners (CompEye) is one of the largest vision care management services organizations in the United States and headquartered in Las Vegas. CompEye provides best-in-class, full-spectrum practice management and administrative services to its affiliated physicians and practices in support of its mission to deliver clinical excellence. CompEye currently provides support services to more than 100 doctors, 48 clinics, and 11 ambulatory surgery centers across 11 practices in Nevada, Washington state, Utah, and Texas.

###

AMSURG Contact:

Rick Curtsinger

Sr. Manager, Public Relations

AMSURG

Rick.Curtsinger@AMSURG.com

 

Comprehensive EyeCare Partners Contact:

Jennifer Morton

National Director of Marketing

jmorton@comp-eyecare.com

AMSURG and Palomar Health Form Strategic Surgery Center Partnership

by

The organizations established a joint venture to maximize access and quality care in San Diego County through Poway Surgery Center

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 4, 2024 — AMSURG, an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center (ASC) services, and Palomar Health, the most comprehensive healthcare provider in North San Diego County, have established a new joint venture with the health system’s Poway Surgery Center. The strategic partnership will enable the organizations and its affiliated physicians to increase access and quality outpatient care in Poway and the greater San Diego community.

“Palomar Health is known for providing quality care and services for its communities, which is aligned with AMSURG’s model of clinical and operational excellence,” said John Lamberth, Senior Vice President of Development at AMSURG. “Leveraging our organizations’ strengths and resources, this partnership will accelerate advancements in quality outpatient care and access for patients and communities in Poway and North San Diego County.”

Poway Surgery Center is a freestanding outpatient facility accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). It has been operating as a multi-use facility, widening the range of care for Palomar Health patients. AMSURG has been involved in the surgery center prior to this new venture. The state-of-the-art facility boasts five operating rooms, with physicians providing outpatient surgical care across multiple specialties, including gastroenterology; orthopedics; ear, nose and throat; and more.

“AMSURG’s vast ASC network, demonstrated commitment to clinical excellence and high standards for patient safety and experience benefit both our providers and the patients we serve,” said Ryan Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of Palomar Health Medical Group and Chief Ambulatory & Strategy Officer of Palomar Health. “We come together to bring a modern and innovative surgery center that helps integrate the newest technologies and practices in a beautiful place of healing. With aligned goals and values that prioritize patients, this partnership will ensure that our communities continue to access and benefit from quality outpatient care.”

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

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.

About Palomar Health

Established in 1948, the award-winning team at Palomar Health provides the most comprehensive healthcare in North San Diego County through its two medical centers and more than 900 affiliated medical providers, serving more than half a million people. Palomar Health is nationally recognized as operating one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals; a Best 100 Hospital for joint replacement and orthopedic surgery; a Best Hospital for stroke care, heart care and bariatric surgery; a Diabetes and Stroke Center of Excellence; and a Blue Distinction Center for spine surgery, cardiac care and maternity.

Through its network of providers, Palomar Health offers medical services in virtually all fields of medicine, including primary care, cardiovascular care, emergency services, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, women’s health, behavioral health, rehabilitation, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery at offices strategically located throughout the North San Diego County region. For more information, please visit PalomarHealth.org.

###

AMSURG Contact:

Rick Curtsinger

Sr. Manager, Public Relations

AMSURG

Rick.Curtsinger@AMSURG.com

 

Palomar Health Contact:

Bianca Kasawdish

Vice President, Public Relations

InnoVision Marketing Group

Bianca@TeamInnoVision.com

Candid Conversations: Colorectal Cancer Awareness With Jeff Snodgrass

by

In this Candid Conversations episode, Jeff Snodgrass, President of AMSURG, talks about colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and all that our teams do to save people’s lives. As a leading provider of colonoscopies (our teams provided more than 1 million colonoscopies in 2022), AMSURG helps patients prevent and detect CRC. We are uniquely positioned to continue contributing to research, education and advocacy that advances screening practices and the health of communities. Take it from us — timely colonoscopies are important in maintaining your health, and the colonoscopy process isn’t all that bad.


As we recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, here are some key facts to know and share with family and friends:

  • CRC is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
  • CRC is one of the most preventable cancers
  • More people are being diagnosed with CRC at a younger age
  • People at average risk for CRC should receive their first screening colonoscopy at age 45 instead of 50, which was the previous recommendation
  • Those with a family history of CRC are at a greater risk of developing CRC and should be screened earlier and more frequently
  • A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective screening method, as a physician can remove a polyp before it becomes cancerous and can detect and sometimes remove cancerous polyps
  • The sooner CRC is detected, the more opportunity someone has to survive
  • To learn more about CRC prevention and where to receive a colonoscopy, visit StopColonCancerNow.com

About Candid Conversations
The video series features 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. 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 here and engage with teammates.

White Paper: Social Determinants of Health

by

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

by

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

by

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.

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

by

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.

###

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.