Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast

In this episode, Becker's Healthcare's Erika Spicer Mason speaks with April Spillane, Vice President of Health Economics at Barricaid. April discusses the surge in outpatient spine procedures, the challenges and opportunities surrounding reimbursement, and how innovations like Barricaid are paving the way for wider access and improved patient care in ASC settings. 

This episode is sponsored by Barricaid. 

In this episode, Sarah Sterling, CASC, Area Director of Operations for Sutter Health Surgery Center Division, discusses key growth strategies in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Sarah shares insights on tackling provider shortages through innovative training programs, leveraging AI for operational efficiency, and expanding into higher-acuity procedures.

In this episode, Tina Piotrowski, CEO of Copper Ridge Surgery Center, joins the podcast to discuss key industry trends, including the impact of CMS payment changes and federal leadership shifts. She highlights Copper Ridge's growth strategies, investments in robotic technology, and a renewed focus on enhancing patient engagement and communication for 2025.

In this episode, Dr. George Ozoude, Orthopedic Surgeon & Founder of the Movement Orthopaedic Institute, discusses his journey from employed practice to pioneering a direct-pay care model in Houston, Texas. Dr. Ozoude shares the challenges and opportunities of his innovative approach, the importance of physician autonomy, and how marketing and technology are shaping the future of orthopedics.

Neeraja Kikkeri, CEO at North Texas Team Care Surgery, discusses her role in overseeing safety protocols, staffing, and ensuring the facility meets the needs of various payment systems. She shares the strategies her team employs to address challenges in the surgical care field, highlighting a proactive and solutions-focused approach to delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Todd Currier, Administrator at Bend Surgery Center, shares strategies for boosting staff morale and providing education to enhance the patient experience. He emphasizes the significance of transparency with patients, covering every aspect of their procedure—from understanding their care plan to clear communication about costs. Currier’s approach highlights the value of a motivated team and open dialogue in building trust and delivering excellent care.

Elisa Auguste, Administrator at Precision Care Surgery Center and Vice President of the NY State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, addresses the critical challenges of access to care and rising costs in the healthcare industry. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive staff education, ensuring team members are well-prepared to answer patients’ questions and provide informed guidance. Auguste’s insights spotlight the need for proactive solutions to enhance patient access and deliver high-quality care.

This episode, recorded live at Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Jacob Corbell, CEO of Midwest Cardiovascular Institute. Jacob discusses the growing role of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in addressing critical challenges in cardiology, including improving patient access and reducing costs. He highlights the importance of efficiency, transparency, and strategic partnerships with local hospitals to drive innovation and enhance patient care in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Alyson Engle, Physician at Integrated Pain Management, discusses the critical role of thorough staff training in achieving successful patient outcomes. She highlights the value of fostering open communication among team members and cultivating a family-oriented workplace culture. Engle shares how these practices create a supportive environment that enhances both staff performance and patient care.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Healthcare 30th Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs, features Claude Royster, Vice President and General Manager of Wellness at CareCredit. Claude discusses strategies to address staffing challenges, leverage technology for operational efficiency, and integrate financial literacy into patient care. Learn how early financial conversations and patient financing solutions can enhance satisfaction while supporting ASC growth.

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