Here is a list of 10 ASCs across the country performing more than 10,000 procedures annually.
Ambulatory Surgery Center of Spartanburg (Spartanburg, S.C.). Ambulatory Surgery Center of Spartanburg is a joint-venture ASC between local physicians and Spartanburg Regional, an integrated healthcare delivery system based in Spartanburg, S.C. Physicians at the ASC of Spartanburg perform more than 11,000 procedures annually in a variety of specialties including ENT, GI, orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry, gynecology and ophthalmology. The AAAHC-accredited ASC features seven operating rooms and two endoscopy suites.
Michael Pankey, RN, MBA, administrator, says that the ASC's success can be contributed to its great staff. "The environment is one of cooperation and teamwork," he says. "In the upcoming year, the center looks forward to maintaining its reputation of excellence in the community and continuing to provide high quality care to patients.
Center for Ambulatory Surgery (West Seneca, N.Y.). Center for Ambulatory Surgery is a partnership between 15 local physicians and The C/N Group. The ASC performs approximately 14,000 procedures annually. The 18,000 square-foot ASC opened in 2001 and features four operating rooms and five GI suites. The multi-specialty ASC provides care in a variety of specialties including GI, orthopedics, ophthalmology, general surgery, urology, ENT, gynecology and podiatry.
Central Louisiana Ambulatory Surgical Center (Alexandria, La.). Central Louisiana Ambulatory Surgical Center is a multi-specialty facility with six operating rooms, two GI suites and one procedure room. Physicians at the ASC practice a number of specialties including orthopedics, interventional pain management, ENT, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, podiatry, urology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, gynecology, general surgery and dental surgery. The physicians performed approximately 15,000 procedures in 2008. CLASC has been in operation since 1985, and expanded in 2005, transitioning from a 10,000 square-foot facility to a 30,000 square-foot facility.
Kentucky Surgery Center (Lexington, Ky.). Kentucky Surgery Center is a multi-specialty ASC that performed nearly 11,000 cases in 2008 and is on track to do so again in 2009. The ASC opened in 1986 and moved to a new facility in 2006, which features seven operating rooms and three procedure rooms. The ASC specializes in ENT, orthopedics, gynecology, plastics, podiatry, oral surgery, endoscopy, pain management, urology and general surgery.
According to Glenda Beasley, RN, administrator, the center's success is largely due to the hard work of the ASC's staff and physicians. "In an outpatient surgery center, the atmosphere is much more structured and organized, and the staff thrives on routine," she says. "The staff has the ability to deliver the best patient care that can be offered in a healthcare setting." Additionally, she considers many of her staff to be family. "I depend on these key people each day. The center would not be as successful as it is currently without the entire management team and the hard work of all the employees," she says.
Northpoint Surgery and Laser Center (West Palm Beach, Fla.). Northpoint Surgery and Laser Center is a multi-specialty ASC that performs approximately 10,000 procedures annually. The National Surgical Care-affiliated ASC features five operating rooms, two endoscopy procedure rooms and a pain management center. The ASCs more than 50 physicians specialize in a number of specialties including ENT, GI, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, podiatry, pain, and treat both adult and pediatric patients. The AAAHC-accredited center has a seasoned nursing staff and a reputation in the community for clinical excellence.
Connie Casey, administrator, says that the center's success is due to its excellent and caring staff. "I am called to a patient's bedside at least one to two times weekly to answer the question: 'How do you keep your employees so happy?' My favorite answer: 'They smile because they care!" she says.
Northwest Michigan Surgery Center (Traverse City, Mich.). Northwest Michigan Surgery Center, a joint venture between local physicians and Munson Medical Center, offers outpatient surgery to patients from 12 counties in northern Michigan. Built in 2004, the 54,000 square-foot ASC features six ORs, four procedure rooms and five 23-hour stay rooms. Northwest Michigan has 68 credentialed physicians in 16 different specialties performing more than 16,500 cases annually.
Jim Stilley, FACHE, CASC, CEO of Northwest Michigan Surgery Center, says that the success of the center is even more remarkable considering the large percentage of Medicare patients in the region and the state's certificate of need requirements. He says that the ASC's "superior level of quality, patient and physician satisfaction, incredible volume and community service" have all contributed to Norwest Michigan's success.
Michigan Endoscopy Center (Farmington Hill, Mich.). Michigan Endoscopy Center is a single-specialty ASC specializing in all types of GI procedures including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and EGD. MEC has six operating rooms and 16 physicians who perform approximately 16,900 procedures annually. According to the mission statement of the center, MEC is dedicated to promoting high-quality endoscopic services and concentrates it services on members of the local community. The center's mission also includes promoting the accessibility of its services for all persons, with particular emphasis on improving access for traditionally under-served populations.
Short Hills Surgery Center (Millburn, N.J.). Short Hills Surgery Center is one of the largest freestanding ASCs in New Jersey at 25,000 square feet, and physicians at the ASC perform more than 10,000 procedures annually. The center features six major operating rooms, two minor operating rooms and 24 beds, including four private rooms. The center's more than 70 physician partners specialize in orthopedics, general surgery, ENT, gynecology, urology, pain management, podiatry, spine, ophthalmology and plastic surgery.
According to Nancy Easley-Mack, business office manager, the center excels due to a variety of factors, including its strong organizational leadership. "Our physicians are very committed to the success of the center. This is evident through our strong organizational leadership, which includes our medical director, Dr. Edward Decter, who is avidly engaged in all aspects of our operations," she says. The center is also committed to reinvesting in its facility and staff. "Our equipment and instrumentation are state-of-the-art, which we believe helps us achieve better clinical outcomes … All our staff members are BLS-certified and the nursing staff maintain PALS and ACLS certifications."
Springfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center (Springfield, Ill.). Springfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center is a freestanding ambulatory facility and is associated with Springfield Clinic. The AAAHC-accredited organization performs an estimated 15,000 procedures annually and features five operating rooms and four GI procedure rooms. The ASC serves a population of approximately 300,000 residents in 12 counties. Physicians at the ASC perform procedures in a number of specialties including orthopedics, ENT, GI, urology, gynecology, vascular, ophthalmology and plastic/reconstructive surgery.
Virginia Eye Institute Surgery Center (Richmond, Va.). Virginia Eye Institute Surgery Center is a multi-specialty ASC performing nearly 16,000 ophthalmic and ENT procedures annually. The AAAHC-accredited ASC has 27 eye surgeons and nine ENT surgeons on staff, all of which utilize block time. The center treats patients referred from any of the 13 Virginia Eye Institute clinic locations, and features five ORs as well as some of the most advanced technology available including the Argon and SLT lasers for treating glaucoma, the Opal or Photodynamic Therapy laser for retinal diseases, the Yag laser for post-cataract capsule treatment and glaucoma and the bladeless IntraLase laser and Visx Excimer laser for LASIK procedures.
According to J. Eric Hays, vice president of operations for Virginia Eye Institute, the ASC's reputation and surgical mix in addition to its long-term and dedicated staff and involved physicians all contribute to Virginia Eye's success. "Our center has been accredited since 1987 and covers all ophthalmic subspecialties. We added the ENT service line in 2003, serving patients from six months of age and up," he says. "We have a great staff with long tenure that allows a level of consistency, loyalty and pride in the center."
Ambulatory Surgery Center of Spartanburg (Spartanburg, S.C.). Ambulatory Surgery Center of Spartanburg is a joint-venture ASC between local physicians and Spartanburg Regional, an integrated healthcare delivery system based in Spartanburg, S.C. Physicians at the ASC of Spartanburg perform more than 11,000 procedures annually in a variety of specialties including ENT, GI, orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry, gynecology and ophthalmology. The AAAHC-accredited ASC features seven operating rooms and two endoscopy suites.
Michael Pankey, RN, MBA, administrator, says that the ASC's success can be contributed to its great staff. "The environment is one of cooperation and teamwork," he says. "In the upcoming year, the center looks forward to maintaining its reputation of excellence in the community and continuing to provide high quality care to patients.
Center for Ambulatory Surgery (West Seneca, N.Y.). Center for Ambulatory Surgery is a partnership between 15 local physicians and The C/N Group. The ASC performs approximately 14,000 procedures annually. The 18,000 square-foot ASC opened in 2001 and features four operating rooms and five GI suites. The multi-specialty ASC provides care in a variety of specialties including GI, orthopedics, ophthalmology, general surgery, urology, ENT, gynecology and podiatry.
Central Louisiana Ambulatory Surgical Center (Alexandria, La.). Central Louisiana Ambulatory Surgical Center is a multi-specialty facility with six operating rooms, two GI suites and one procedure room. Physicians at the ASC practice a number of specialties including orthopedics, interventional pain management, ENT, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, podiatry, urology, ophthalmology, neurosurgery, gynecology, general surgery and dental surgery. The physicians performed approximately 15,000 procedures in 2008. CLASC has been in operation since 1985, and expanded in 2005, transitioning from a 10,000 square-foot facility to a 30,000 square-foot facility.
Kentucky Surgery Center (Lexington, Ky.). Kentucky Surgery Center is a multi-specialty ASC that performed nearly 11,000 cases in 2008 and is on track to do so again in 2009. The ASC opened in 1986 and moved to a new facility in 2006, which features seven operating rooms and three procedure rooms. The ASC specializes in ENT, orthopedics, gynecology, plastics, podiatry, oral surgery, endoscopy, pain management, urology and general surgery.
According to Glenda Beasley, RN, administrator, the center's success is largely due to the hard work of the ASC's staff and physicians. "In an outpatient surgery center, the atmosphere is much more structured and organized, and the staff thrives on routine," she says. "The staff has the ability to deliver the best patient care that can be offered in a healthcare setting." Additionally, she considers many of her staff to be family. "I depend on these key people each day. The center would not be as successful as it is currently without the entire management team and the hard work of all the employees," she says.
Northpoint Surgery and Laser Center (West Palm Beach, Fla.). Northpoint Surgery and Laser Center is a multi-specialty ASC that performs approximately 10,000 procedures annually. The National Surgical Care-affiliated ASC features five operating rooms, two endoscopy procedure rooms and a pain management center. The ASCs more than 50 physicians specialize in a number of specialties including ENT, GI, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, podiatry, pain, and treat both adult and pediatric patients. The AAAHC-accredited center has a seasoned nursing staff and a reputation in the community for clinical excellence.
Connie Casey, administrator, says that the center's success is due to its excellent and caring staff. "I am called to a patient's bedside at least one to two times weekly to answer the question: 'How do you keep your employees so happy?' My favorite answer: 'They smile because they care!" she says.
Northwest Michigan Surgery Center (Traverse City, Mich.). Northwest Michigan Surgery Center, a joint venture between local physicians and Munson Medical Center, offers outpatient surgery to patients from 12 counties in northern Michigan. Built in 2004, the 54,000 square-foot ASC features six ORs, four procedure rooms and five 23-hour stay rooms. Northwest Michigan has 68 credentialed physicians in 16 different specialties performing more than 16,500 cases annually.
Jim Stilley, FACHE, CASC, CEO of Northwest Michigan Surgery Center, says that the success of the center is even more remarkable considering the large percentage of Medicare patients in the region and the state's certificate of need requirements. He says that the ASC's "superior level of quality, patient and physician satisfaction, incredible volume and community service" have all contributed to Norwest Michigan's success.
Michigan Endoscopy Center (Farmington Hill, Mich.). Michigan Endoscopy Center is a single-specialty ASC specializing in all types of GI procedures including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and EGD. MEC has six operating rooms and 16 physicians who perform approximately 16,900 procedures annually. According to the mission statement of the center, MEC is dedicated to promoting high-quality endoscopic services and concentrates it services on members of the local community. The center's mission also includes promoting the accessibility of its services for all persons, with particular emphasis on improving access for traditionally under-served populations.
Short Hills Surgery Center (Millburn, N.J.). Short Hills Surgery Center is one of the largest freestanding ASCs in New Jersey at 25,000 square feet, and physicians at the ASC perform more than 10,000 procedures annually. The center features six major operating rooms, two minor operating rooms and 24 beds, including four private rooms. The center's more than 70 physician partners specialize in orthopedics, general surgery, ENT, gynecology, urology, pain management, podiatry, spine, ophthalmology and plastic surgery.
According to Nancy Easley-Mack, business office manager, the center excels due to a variety of factors, including its strong organizational leadership. "Our physicians are very committed to the success of the center. This is evident through our strong organizational leadership, which includes our medical director, Dr. Edward Decter, who is avidly engaged in all aspects of our operations," she says. The center is also committed to reinvesting in its facility and staff. "Our equipment and instrumentation are state-of-the-art, which we believe helps us achieve better clinical outcomes … All our staff members are BLS-certified and the nursing staff maintain PALS and ACLS certifications."
Springfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center (Springfield, Ill.). Springfield Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center is a freestanding ambulatory facility and is associated with Springfield Clinic. The AAAHC-accredited organization performs an estimated 15,000 procedures annually and features five operating rooms and four GI procedure rooms. The ASC serves a population of approximately 300,000 residents in 12 counties. Physicians at the ASC perform procedures in a number of specialties including orthopedics, ENT, GI, urology, gynecology, vascular, ophthalmology and plastic/reconstructive surgery.
Virginia Eye Institute Surgery Center (Richmond, Va.). Virginia Eye Institute Surgery Center is a multi-specialty ASC performing nearly 16,000 ophthalmic and ENT procedures annually. The AAAHC-accredited ASC has 27 eye surgeons and nine ENT surgeons on staff, all of which utilize block time. The center treats patients referred from any of the 13 Virginia Eye Institute clinic locations, and features five ORs as well as some of the most advanced technology available including the Argon and SLT lasers for treating glaucoma, the Opal or Photodynamic Therapy laser for retinal diseases, the Yag laser for post-cataract capsule treatment and glaucoma and the bladeless IntraLase laser and Visx Excimer laser for LASIK procedures.
According to J. Eric Hays, vice president of operations for Virginia Eye Institute, the ASC's reputation and surgical mix in addition to its long-term and dedicated staff and involved physicians all contribute to Virginia Eye's success. "Our center has been accredited since 1987 and covers all ophthalmic subspecialties. We added the ENT service line in 2003, serving patients from six months of age and up," he says. "We have a great staff with long tenure that allows a level of consistency, loyalty and pride in the center."