Envision Healthcare’s 2022 Clinical Impact Report

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

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

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

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

Delivering Safe, High-Quality, Patient-Centered Care

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

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

Care

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

Connection

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

Community

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

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

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

Patient Tells How His Hip Replacement Restored Mobility, Relieved Pain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knowing Treatment Options Vary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recovering From Surgery at Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

Returning to an Active lifestyle

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

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

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

The Importance of Not Delaying Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

AMSURG Centers Recognized by Press Ganey for Commitment to Patient Experience

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

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

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

2022 Pinnacle of Excellence Award

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

2022 Guardian of Excellence Award

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

Congratulations to these teams on a job well done.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Everyone Needs a Nurse Bonnie

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

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

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

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

AMSURG Advocates for Timely Colorectal Cancer Screening and Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Colon Cancer Survivor Advocates for Timely Screenings

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With more people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at a younger age, it is now recommended that those at average risk for CRC begin screening at age 45 instead of 50.

It’s possible that Michele Battista’s life could have been different had the recommended first-time screening age been lowered sooner. Still, her decision to be screened at 50 was lifesaving.

Without any CRC symptoms, Michele scheduled a screening colonoscopy at the Endoscopy Center of Red Bank in New Jersey. She followed her prep and arrived at the center on Valentine’s Day.

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” Michele said.

Her physician discovered a peach-sized tumor during her colonoscopy. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Michele underwent surgery and 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now celebrating her 11-year cancerversary®.

She has become a fierce advocate for early CRC detection, sharing her story and encouraging people to receive timely screenings.

“If I can get one person to go get their colonoscopy based on my story at 50, then I’m happy.”

Candid Conversations: Colorectal Cancer Awareness With Jeff Snodgrass

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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.

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.”