Today’s guest is Richard Parker, Associate Director of Life Safety & Physical Environment at ACHC—the Accreditation Commission for Health Care. We talk about what life safety includes, what surveyors are really looking for, how to document properly, and the most common deficiencies ACHC sees during surveys.

Reminder: the ASCA conference is just two weeks away! If you haven’t registered yet, online registration closes Friday, April 18th, so now's the time to register if you haven’t yet. HST will be there at Booth #303, right up front in the exhibit hall. Stop by to say hello, grab a copy of our State of the Industry report, take a quiz for a chance to win a prize, and check out all our latest solutions. We hope to see you there.

Resources Mentioned:

 * Closing the ASC Tech Gap: EHRs, AI and Beyond [https://ascnews.com/2025/04/closing-the-asc-tech-gap-ehrs-ai-and-beyond/]
 * How ASCs can flip the script on anesthesia challenges [https://www.beckersasc.com/anesthesia/how-ascs-can-flip-the-script-on-anesthesia-challenges/]
 * Streamlining the PACU Experience for Total Joints Patients [https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/the-magazine/article/streamlining-the-pacu-experience-for-total-joints-patients]
 * The dog-tor will see you now [https://www.positive.news/environment/good-news-stories-from-week-13-of-2025/]
 * Learn more about ACHC Webinars: https://www.achc.org/

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Life Safety: What Admins Need to Know 

In the final episode of our Staffing Strategies series, Maddie Traylor, President of AdvancedScope, joins us to explore the differences between locum, contract, and permanent hires. We dive into the pros and cons of each staffing model and how surgery centers can determine the best fit based on their unique needs.

After the conversation with Maddie, stick around for our Data & Insights segment. We’ll take a few minutes to unpack one of the key takeaways from HST’s 2024 State of the Industry report: average recovery times by specialty, based on data from 590 surgery centers.

Resources Mentioned:

 * HST’s State of the Industry Report: https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/
 * The National Library of Medicine’s report on aromatherapy's role in decreasing PONV: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34905993/

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Staffing: Locum, Contract, or Permanent?

Last week, we explored how to choose the best staffing agency with Mayte Rechani. This week, we’re continuing our staffing series with Mark Henderson Leary to discuss what it takes to build a sustainable culture at your ASC.

Mark shares practical strategies to help you:

 * Define what your culture really is
 * Identify team members who may not be the right fit
 * Attract and retain people who align with your values

In our news recap, we cover:

 * The ongoing anesthesia staffing crisis
 * Concerns from ASC leaders about proposed HHS policy changes
 * National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
 * A feel-good story from this year’s National Resident Matching Program

Resources Mentioned:

 * Surviving the Anesthesia Staffing Crisis [https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/special-editions/article/surviving-the-anesthesia-staffing-crisis]
 * Ambulatory Surgery Center Stakeholders Sound Alarm Over HHS Proposal to Rescind Public Participation in Rulemaking [https://ascnews.com/2025/03/ambulatory-surgery-center-stakeholders-sound-alarm-over-hhs-proposal-to-rescind-public-participation-in-rulemaking/]
 * ASCs Provide Updates on CRC Screening [https://www.ascfocus.org/ascfocus/content/articles-content/articles/2025/march/ascs-provide-updates-on-crc-screening]
 * What 23 match day statistics say about the future of medicine [https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-news/what-23-match-day-statistics-say-about-the-future-of-medicine/]
 * HST’s State of the Industry Report [https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Staffing: Building a Sustainable Culture 

Today is the first episode of our new three-part series on Staffing Strategies for ASCs! Over the next few episodes, we’ll discuss key staffing considerations that can help surgery centers build and maintain a strong workforce. The healthcare industry is dealing with unprecedented staffing shortages right now, so I’m hopeful that everyone will be able to walk away from this series with some new ideas to use.

Today, we’re kicking things off with Mayte Rechani to discuss Selecting the Best Agency. Many ASCs haven’t tapped into staffing agencies yet, so Mayte will break down what to look for in an agency, how to ensure reliable coverage, and other key factors to consider.

After my conversation with Mayte, we’ll switch to our Data & Insights segment. HST released our annual State of the Industry report in September, which analyzed client data from 590 surgery centers. Today we’ll spend a few minutes breaking down how often outstanding patient bills are worked post-date-of-service.

Resources Mentioned:

HST’s State of the Industry Report – https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Staffing: Selecting the Best Agency 

Today, we’re diving into the latest insights from VMG Health’s newly released report, ASC Leader Expectations for 2025. This report is based on a survey of 137 ASC leaders—including administrators, CEOs, VPs, and clinical directors—from both independent and joint-venture centers. To break down the key takeaways, our host, Nick Latz, sat down with Colin Park, Managing Director at VMG Health. Together, they explore what ASC leaders are prioritizing for the year ahead and what trends Colin and his team uncovered.

After my conversation with Colin, we’ll switch to our Data & Insights segment. HST released our annual State of the Industry report in September, which analyzed client data from 590 surgery centers. Today we’ll spend a few minutes breaking down on-time starts. We’ll look at which specialties have the longest delays, which have the shortest, and the operational impacts of starting surgeries late.

Resources Mentioned:

 * ASC Leader Expectations for 2025: https://vmghealth.com/insights/industry-report/asc-leader-expectations-for-2025/
 * HST’s State of the Industry Report: https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

ASC Leader Expectations for 2025

Ryan Short, Principal and Founding Member of Cotton Architecture and Design, joins us to break down the step-by-step design process for opening a new surgery center. In this fast-paced, 20-minute conversation, we cover everything you need to know. Whether you plan to open a facility, expand an existing one, or just want insight into the process, you'll walk away with valuable takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

 * Surgery Centers Affected by LA Fires Share Their Stories [https://www.ascfocus.org/ascfocus/content/articles-content/articles/2025/digital-debut/surgery-centers-affected-by-la-fires-share-their-stories]
 * Game-Changing Advances in Orthopedics [https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/the-magazine/article/game-changing-advances-in-orthopedics]
 * How 5 ASC companies dominated in 2024 [https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-transactions-and-valuation-issues/how-5-asc-companies-dominated-in-2024.html]
 * How Beth Quatrara is Shaping the Future of Nursing [https://www.dailynurse.com/how-beth-quatrara-is-shaping-the-future-of-nursing-one-student-and-puppy-at-a-time/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Opening a New ASC: Step-by-Step Design Guide 

In the final installment of our three-part QAPI studies series, I sit down with Kathy Wilson, Executive Director of the ASC Quality Collaboration, and Kathy walks us through a real-life QAPI study on reducing case cancellations at a GI center, using her 10-step, repeatable approach that simplifies the process and delivers measurable results. Whether you're new to QAPI studies or looking for a more structured method, this episode has actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss.

After my conversation with Kathy, we’ll dive into our Data & Insights segment, where we analyze key findings from HST’s State of the Industry report. Looking at orthopedics, we’ll break down profitability per case, compare 2023 to 2024 trends, and discuss why more patients and payers are choosing outpatient procedures—a shift that’s only gaining momentum.

Kathy’s 10-Step QAPI Study Process:

 1.  Define the Purpose – Why does this issue matter?
 2.  Set a Performance Goal – Internal or external benchmarks help guide success
 3.  Plan Data Collection – Identify what you need to track.
 4.  Collect the Data – Use reports, spreadsheets, or software to track key details.
 5.  Analyze the Data – Identify trends and root causes.
 6.  Compare to Goal – Did you hit the target?
 7.  Implement Corrective Actions – Revise patient instructions, engage physicians, implement tech solutions, etc.
 8.  Remeasure the Data – Track post-intervention results.
 9.  Adjust if Needed – Implement further corrective actions if goals aren’t met.
 10. Communicate Findings – Share results with staff, leadership, and surveyors.



Resources Mentioned: HST’s State of the Industry Report [https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

QAPI Studies: A Study on GI Case Cancellations 

We are continuing our three-part series about QAPI studies. Last week, we heard from Becky Ziegler-Otis, who shared some fantastic insights into how you can generate new ideas. And today, I had the chance to talk with Tina DiMarino. Tina is the CEO of Custom Surgical Consultants, a Board member of the Maryland ASC Association, and an AAAHC Surveyor. So Tina will give up the inside scoop on what specific aspects of QAPI studies surveyors typically focus on during an inspection.

After my conversation with Tina, we’ll switch to our Data & Insights segment. In September, HST released our annual State of the Industry report, which analyzed client data from 590 surgery centers. Today, I’ll share the cardiology trends we saw from 2023 to 2024, specifically around OR duration, revenue per case, and revenue per OR minute.

Resources Mentioned: HST’s State of the Industry Report [https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

QAPI Studies: What Surveyors Are Looking For 

We’re kicking off a new three-part series on QAPI Studies!

Becky Ziegler-Otis joins us this week to share practical tips for generating new study ideas. Becky is the Assistant Executive Director at the ASC Quality Collaboration, an ASC consultant, and a member of the ASCA Education Committee. Having run an ASC for many years, she knows QAPI inside and out and will show you how to find fresh ideas through internal and external benchmarking.

Coming up next:

 * February 18: Tina DiMarino gives an inside look at what surveyors are really looking for.
 * February 25: Kathy Wilson walks us through the 10-step process she used to run a successful study that reduced case cancellations at a GI center.

Resources Mentioned:

 * Take the ASC Quality & Safety Assessment [https://ascquality.org/asc-safety-quality-assessment/]
 * HST’s State of the Industry Report [https://www.hstpathways.com/resources/surgery-center-industry-report/]
 * Why ASCs Should Brace for Consolidation in 2025 [https://ascnews.com/2025/01/why-ascs-should-brace-for-consolidation-in-2025/]
 * The battleground states for colonoscopy laws [https://www.beckersasc.com/gastroenterology-and-endoscopy/the-battleground-states-for-colonoscopy-laws.html]
 * Shamika Ossey Champions Resilience and Compassion During LA County Fires [https://www.dailynurse.com/shamika-ossey-champions-resilience-and-compassion-during-la-county-fires/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

QAPI Studies: Finding New Ideas  

Scott Allen is the SVP of Managed Care at nimble, and he’s on today’s show to help us wrap up our Payor Contract series. We have already covered 6 Tips for Effective Management and Leveraging Data for Negotiations, and we’ll finish up the series by doing a deep dive into Chargemaster Essentials. Scott walks us through common issues, making sure your chargemaster is up to date, and how to maintain it effectively.

In our news recap, we’ll cover a kickback lawsuit in New York, potential AI bias, the role of automation in RCM, and, of course, end the news segment with a positive story about a nurse who saved a patient’s life who was having a stroke.

Also – we’re offering a $50 gift card to the first 30 listeners who complete our Podcast Survey! It only takes a few minutes of your time, and you’ll be able to share your feedback and ideas. Start the survey here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/hstpathways1/podcastsurvey

Resources Mentioned:

 * The View co-host Sunny Hostin's surgeon husband Emmanuel accused of insurance fraud in bombshell lawsuit [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14243993/The-View-Sunny-Hostin-surgeon-husband-Emmanuel-insurance-fraud-claim.html]
 * Hospital evaluation of AI predictive tools for bias is inconsistent, study finds [https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hospital-AI-evaluation-ai-bias-health-affairs/737059/]
 * How to Make True RCM Automation Work for You: Three Tools Every Organization Needs in Their Toolkit [https://medcitynews.com/2025/01/how-to-make-true-rcm-automation-work-for-you-three-tools-every-organization-needs-in-their-toolkit/]
 * Meet Carlee Minyard: The ER Nurse Who Set a Stroke Care Record and Transformed a Life in Just 17 Minutes [https://www.dailynurse.com/meet-carlee-minyard-the-er-nurse-who-set-a-stroke-care-record-and-transformed-a-life-in-just-17-minutes/]

Brought to you by HST Pathways.

Payor Contracts: Chargemaster Essentials 

If you’re in the ASC industry, then you’re in the right place. Every week our hosts will recap the latest news impacting ASCs, and share an interesting conversation we had with our featured guest. New episodes released every Tuesday!

This Week in Surgery Centers