Clinical Operations - Surgical Management Professionals

The world of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) has drastically changed in recent years, with supply chain disruptions and escalating costs becoming persistent hurdles. These challenges impact not just finances but also the quality of patient care provided. Recently, ASC leaders shared their first-hand experiences and practical solutions in a conversation hosted by the Colorado ASC […]

By Allison Stock, Chief Operations Officer, SMP When CMS dropped its 913-page proposed rule for 2026, the headline figure-547 new procedures proposed for the ASC Covered Procedures List-felt almost too big to believe. For context, last year’s update added just 21 codes, the vast majority of them dental. This proposal represents a seismic shift not […]

 By Traci Albers, Chief Executive Officer, and Allison Stock, Chief Operating Officer, Surgical Management Professionals Every year, the federal update at ASCA gives us a peek behind the curtain, where policy meets payment and legislative decisions ripple straight into the day-to-day operations of surgery centers nationwide. This year’s session, led by Kara Newbury from ASCA, […]

By Sandy Mader, Director of Clinical Operations, Surgical Management Professionals Administrators are the linchpins of operational success in the ever-evolving landscape of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Whether they come from a business or clinical background, administrators face distinct challenges that require a combination of expertise, adaptability, and strategic leadership. With increasing financial pressures, heightened competition, […]

By Allison Stock, COO, Surgical Management Professionals The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have finalized the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Rule for the calendar year 2025. ASCs must report on 14 ASCQR Program measures to avoid Medicare penalties. Although regulatory adjustments happen regularly, this particular update poses significant challenges for ASCs, […]

Navigating Success in 2025: Innovative Strategies for ASCs to Thrive in a Changing Landscape By: Traci Albers, CEO The ASC industry is set to succeed in 2025; it will need innovative thinking and a new approach to age-old challenges.  I have worked in the ASC industry for over twenty years, and I am as optimistic […]

Ensuring Coding Accuracy: A Foundation for ASC Financial Health and Compliance By Lauri Kremer, Coding Manager For Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), accurate coding and billing are the cornerstone of financial sustainability and regulatory compliance.  ASCs operate in a high-paced setting, performing a variety of complex outpatient procedures that demand exact coding. Even minor inaccuracies can […]

Improving Patient Outcomes and Practice Profitability: The Power of Data-Driven Orthopedics By Dr Blake Curd In today’s competitive healthcare environment, the strategic use of data is revolutionizing orthopedics. As CEOs, surgeons, and administrators, we deliver superior patient outcomes while ensuring financial sustainability. Embracing data-driven methodologies is no longer optional—it’s essential for success. Here’s a comprehensive […]

Maximizing ASC Profitability and Efficiency: Key Strategies for Cost Reduction and Revenue Optimization Authored by Allison Bolger, CFO Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are at the forefront of outpatient care, but maintaining profitability and operational efficiency can be challenging. By implementing innovative strategies, ASCs can reduce costs, optimize revenue, and leverage performance benchmarking to drive improvements. […]

Optimizing Anesthesia Services: Practical Solutions for ASC Success Authored by Traci Albers, CEO Anesthesia providers face increasing operational and financial challenges including declining reimbursements, rising salaries, and provider shortages, which create significant hurdles for maintaining stability in surgery centers. In this blog, we will explore these issues in detail and provide practical strategies to help […]

Growing Great Leaders: The Key to ASC Success  By Allison Stock, JD, RN, CASC, Chief Operations Officer, SMP Running a successful Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) can be challenging. It’s a whirlwind of patient care, complex regulations, and keeping up with the latest surgical techniques. That’s why strong leadership is essential. But great leaders don’t just […]

5 Tips for Mastering Surveyor Interactions in Your ASC By Allison Stock, JD, RN, CASC, Chief Operations Officer, SMP Having surveyors come to your ASC can feel a bit stressful. But it doesn’t have to be! The right approach can transform the survey experience into a positive and productive opportunity for your team. Here are […]