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7:00 am–7:45 am
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Wellness Morning
Sponsored by United Surgical Partners International
Get moving with this year’s WELLNESS morning, where you’re invited to join a 5k run, 1k walk or 45-minute yoga class! Whether you’re a regular runner, an avid walk, a devote yogi or just want to get up and get moving, everyone is welcome.
Wellness Schedule: 6:15 am–7:30 am
Run/Walk Registration: 6:15 am Run/Walk Start: 6:20 am Yoga: 6:45 am–7:30
Registration Location: Mangrove Lawn
Runners and walkers, please complete the waiver in advance.
Complete WaiverDownload Map
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7:45 am–8:45 am
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Attendee Breakfast
Join your fellow attendees for a hearty breakfast including pastries, coffee, juices and eggs.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Safeguard Your ASC from Cyberattacks
Faculty: Gary Salman, BA
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
Cyber threats such as ransomware, data theft and email account takeovers are causing significant financial, reputational and regulatory challenges for surgery centers. Get a comprehensive understanding of key cybersecurity threats and practical solutions tailored for ASCs. Find out
- who is targeting ASCs and why;
- what a real-world attack looks like and how it would impact your revenue cycle;
- which recent trends in defensive and offensive technologies can help you better protect your ASC;
- how you can use security KPIs to assess your cybersecurity risk score; and
- why you should divide these responsibilities between IT and cybersecurity services to ensure transparency in risk management.
This eye-opening presentation will help ASCs of all sizes stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends and empower you to strengthen your defense against evolving risks.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Sterilization in ASCs
Faculty: Steve Zeplin, MSN, RN, SPDT
AEU Content Area: Delivery of Patient Care
IPCH Content Area: Instrument/Equipment Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization
This session will review sterilization modalities typically used in the ASC setting. Attendees will learn about the sterilization monitoring tools and process indicators for each processed load. The current AAMI ST79 and AORN guidelines and recommended practices for quality control monitoring of steam and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) processes will also be discussed.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Real-World Solutions to Common Risk Management Concerns
Faculty: William Miller, ESQ Debra L. Stinchcomb, MBA, BSN, RN, CASC
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
All aspects of ASC operations involve some degree of risk. Join this session to learn how to avoid it with sound risk management techniques, lessons learned from past litigation, and real-world solutions you can use when you return home to protect your facility and staff. Areas of focus will include the medical record, allergies and other medical contraindications in patient care, personnel scope of practice, the physician and allied health credentialing processes, and the informed consent process.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Finance 101- An Introduction to Finance and Accounting in ASCs
Faculty: John J. Goehle, MBA, CPA, CASC
AEU Content Area: Financial
Get an overview of the essentials of finance and accounting used in the ASC setting. This session covers the key accounting principles relevant to the ASC environment and how to read and interpret the income statement and balance sheet.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Charting the Course: Quality Improvement and Benchmarking in Action
Faculty: Becky Ziegler-Otis, MHA, RHIA, CPHQ, CHC, CASC Tina J. DiMarino, DNP, MBA, RN, CASC, FACHE
AEU Content Area: Quality Management
Imagine you have been asked to give a deposition about a situation that occurred at your ASC. How prepared are you? What is the opposing attorney allowed to ask you? What information should you give? Are you able to voice opinions? What if a medical record does not have appropriate documentation? What do you say when the standard of care has not been met? Learn the ins and outs of giving testimony under oath during this important phase of any lawsuit. Review real-world situations and observe a mock deposition demonstration. Walk away with solutions to prepare you for a successful deposition experience.
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8:45 am–10:15 am
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Getting to Know Your AOs: Background, Expectations and Common Deficiencies
Faculty: Dianne N. Bourque, RN, CNOR Beth Hogan, MSN, RN, CNAMB, CGRN, CNOR, CASC Patricia T. Dixon-Thomas, MSN, BSN, RN David M. Shapiro, MD, CHC, CHCQM, CHPRM, LHRM
AEU Content Area: Regulatory and Legal Issues
In today’s healthcare environment, accreditation is essential for ensuring patient safety, quality care and operational excellence within the ASC. This panel discussion brings together experts from major accreditation organizations to discuss the evolving landscape of ASC accreditation. Attendees will gain insights into the services these organizations provide, the typical accreditation process from start to finish, and challenges commonly faced by ASCs. This interactive session will allow participants to ask questions, engage directly with the panelists and gain a deeper understanding of how accreditation organizations are shaping the future of ASCs.
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10:00 am–12:00 pm
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Exhibit Hall Open
Refreshments will be provided to attendees and exhibitors in the exhibit hall.
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10:15 am–11:40 am
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Exhibit Hall Morning Break
Refreshments will be provided to attendees and exhibitors in the exhibit hall.
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11:40 am–12:40 pm
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Build a Culture of Safety around Infection Prevention
Faculty: Erica Smith, MBA
AEU Content Area: Delivery of Patient Care
IPCH Content Area: Infection Prevention Strategies
Learn how to empower your surgery center’s infection preventionist and healthcare leaders to foster a robust safety culture by engaging staff at all levels in infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts. This presentation will highlight the significance of continuous education, staff involvement in policy development and creating an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. Topics such as bundle compliance, scrub technique, sterile field maintenance, IV preparation, skin asepsis, and adherence to Instructions for Use (IFU) and Health and Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) recommendations will be explored. Through real-world case studies and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to drive infection prevention outcomes and improve overall patient safety by creating a sustainable culture of safety.
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11:40 am–12:40 pm
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Reducing CMS-Covered Procedures Claims Denials through Physician Communications of Documentation Criteria
Faculty: Cristina Bentin, CMA, CPPM, CCS-P, COC
AEU Content Area: Financial
To reduce CMS claims denials for procedures thought to be “covered” based on the ASC Covered Procedures List, it is important to understand the CMS ASC payment methodology and to communicate documentation requirements to your physicians. Both CMS and commercial payers have specific criteria or indications of coverage that must be met and documented by the physician prior to surgical intervention. This session will review the CMS ASC payment system, including the covered procedures list, payment rates, pertinent addenda and CMS documentation citations. We will conclude with case studies highlighting CMS ASC-covered procedures either denied or reimbursed based on physician documentation and access to criteria prior to surgical intervention.
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11:40 am–12:40 pm
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Strategies for Overcoming Unconscious Bias and Transforming Ambulatory Care
Faculty: Shermoin Clardy, MSW, LICSW, SUDPT
AEU Content Area: Quality Management
Look closely at how unconscious biases—often unintentional and rooted in societal stereotypes—affect patient care, staff interactions and organizational culture. Using interactive discussion and real-world examples, get practical strategies for recognizing and mitigating that bias in your daily work. Bring your experiences and questions to enrich this dynamic discussion on advancing healthcare equity. Whether you are a manager or frontline caregiver, this session will empower you to make a meaningful impact by fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment in your ASC.
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11:40 am–12:40 pm
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Optimizing Your Clinical Workforce
Faculty: Kathleen Regan, MHA, BSN, RN, CASC
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
Welcome, surgery center leaders, to this session designed to help you overcome obstacles and excel at building and maintaining a highly skilled and engaged perioperative clinical team. Discover the methods one ASC used to simultaneously decrease turnover while increasing its workforce by 35% to accommodate growing demand associated with a two-year, $11 million expansion project. Learn how to apply a standard and methodical approach to candidate selection, onboarding, clinical orientation and culture to help your ASC be the employer of choice in a highly competitive market.
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11:40 am–12:40 pm
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Advocacy Alchemy: Unleash the Power of Grassroots Engagement
Faculty: Simon Schwartz Stephen Abresch, BA, MA
AEU Content Area: Regulatory and Legal Issues
Have you and others at your ASC considered getting involved in ASC government affairs and grassroots advocacy but hesitated because you are not sure you have the time it takes or the skills you need to get involved? This panel of ASC advocacy experts is here to help! Whether you are interested in federal or state advocacy and working directly with ASCA, your state ASC association or both. Simon and Stephen will demystify the process, dispel the rumors about the difficulties involved and give you the confidence and resources you need to be the kind of ASC advocate you always knew you could be. Basic components of ASCA and state association advocacy, like Washington, DC, fly-ins; state capital visits; facility tours for your elected officials and letter writing campaigns will be discussed.
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12:40 pm–2:00 pm
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ASC Celebration Luncheon
Sponsored by XXXX
XXJoin your colleagues in celebrating the recent successes and accomplishments of the ASC community during this year’s ASC Celebration Luncheon, sponsored by SCA Health. The celebratory lunch offers a change of pace after two days of intensive educational sessions and the hubbub of the exhibit hall.XX
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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A Leader’s Guide to Effective and Compliant Employee Investigations and Termination
Faculty: Casey Duhart, JD
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
Navigating the complexities of internal employment investigations and employee terminations is a critical skill for any organizational leader. This session will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap for conducting thorough and legally sound internal investigations, ensuring you handle sensitive situations with care and compliance. We will cover the entire process—from identifying when an investigation is necessary, gathering and documenting evidence, interviewing involved parties, and maintaining confidentiality. You will leave knowledgeable of best practices for conducting effective investigations at the workplace.
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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Pro Tips for Successful ASC Payer Contract Negotiations
Faculty: I. Naya Kehayes, MPH
AEU Content Area: Financial
Learn how to tackle the fundamental ASC reimbursement and payment systems commercial payers use with key strategies that can help you negotiate high-quality contracts. Explore the current payer environment, payer policies, contracting pitfalls to avoid and techniques that impact success. Please note: This session will contain some advanced and technical content that may be more suitable for attendees with some knowledge of ASC reimbursement and payment systems and contract negotiation experience.
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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Manage Your Financial Statements Effectively; Boost Your Bottom Line
Faculty: Terry A. Bohlke, MSHA, CPA, CMA, CASC
AEU Content Area: Financial
Take a deep dive into your ASC’s financial statements with a focus on how to effectively evaluate your surgery center’s financial strengths and weaknesses. Examine the statements you receive every month and unveil lesser-known reports you should be getting and using. You don't need to be a CPA to be the sharpest person at your ASC when it comes to managing these reports and your ASC’s bottom line.
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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Writing a Successful Plan of Correction
Faculty: Sandra J. Jones, MBA, MSM, CPHRM, CHCQM, CASC, FABQAURP, FHFMA
AEU Content Area: Regulatory and Legal Issues
Crafting and executing an effective Plan of Correction (PoC) can be a challenging task. State agencies, CMS and accrediting organization surveyors may require a PoC when a deficiency in compliance is discovered. This session will walk you through the entire process, from analyzing the cited deficiency and addressing the cause to determining corrective actions, implementing the plan and measuring improvement.
However, the process doesn’t end there. Validating the improvement and effectively communicating the results are key components to demonstrate that your plan was successful. These steps ensure that both your staff and governing body are informed, and that surveyors can confirm the effectiveness of your actions. In this session, you’ll also learn which deficiencies can lead to immediate jeopardy, how the volume of deficiencies can impact survey results and the key elements of an acceptable PoC.
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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Evolving Trends in ASC Anesthesia
Faculty: Aaron Persinger, MD Colleen Ramirez, RN, CASC Michael Bernard, MD
AEU Content Area: Delivery of Patient Care
Explore the critical trends and challenges impacting anesthesia delivery in outpatient surgery today and get guidance for managing your most serious concerns in your own facility in this timely discussion led by an administrator, a nurse leader and an anesthesiologist, all with extensive ASC experience. Essential topics, including patient selection, pre-surgical testing requirements and multi-modal pain management, will be addressed, along with topics surrounding collaboration between anesthesia personnel and ASC leadership. Speakers will provide vital take-home recommendations for enhancing efficiency and cost savings while maintaining patient safety and best practices in anesthesia.
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2:10 pm–3:25 pm
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Infection Preventionist Education and Training
Faculty: Laurie T. Roderiques, BSN, RN, CNOR, LNC, CAIP, CASC
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
IPCH Content Area: Infection Prevention Education and Training
The CMS Conditions for Coverage, Q-0240, refers to Infection Control in the ASC. The Interpretive Guidelines: §416.51 states that the ASC's infection control program must be directed by a designated health care professional with training in infection control. Exhibit 351, Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Infection Control Surveyor Worksheet question 17 asks: Does the ASC have a licensed healthcare professional qualified through training in infection control and designated to direct the ASC's infection control program? That is followed by 17.c: If this person is not certified in infection control, what type of infection control training has this person received? How do you answer these questions? We will explore how to place your infection preventionist in the best possible position to excel in their role in your ASC.
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3:25 pm–3:45 pm
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Afternoon Break
Faculty: Gina Throneberry, MBA, RN, CNOR, CASC
AEU Content Area: Quality Management
During this break, enjoy some light snacks and drinks to keep you going for the rest of the afternoon.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Use an Emotional Intelligence Assessment to Boost Team Dynamics and Improve Outcomes
Faculty: Josiah Whitman, BA
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
Focus on how perioperative leaders can assess and enhance emotional intelligence (EQ) within their teams to reduce conflict, improve communication and navigate high-stress environments effectively. Attendees will learn practical strategies for evaluating EQ, fostering emotional resilience and strengthening teamwork, all of which contribute to a safer and more efficient operating room (OR). Perfect for directors of surgical services and OR leaders, this session will provide actionable insights to improve team dynamics and elevate patient outcomes and care.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Leadership Insights: Sterile Processing from the QAPI Perspective
Faculty: Janette Lischeske, MHA, BSN, RN Emily Hemingway, RN, MSN, CAIP
AEU Content Area: Delivery of Patient Care
IPCH Content Area: Infection Prevention Strategies
Explore the pivotal role of leadership in enhancing sterile processing within Ambulatory Surgery Centers through the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) framework. This session will provide in-depth insights into:
- Leadership and QAPI integration in sterile processing
- Best practices for infection prevention and control
- Enhancing SPD through cross departmental collaboration
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, this session will equip you with valuable insights and actionable strategies to elevate your sterile processing operations and drive excellence in patient care.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Advanced Financial Strategies: Profitability, Key Metrics and Boardroom Strategies Advanced
Faculty: Will Evans, MA
AEU Content Area: Financial
This session is designed for surgery center and management group leaders who are eager to enhance their financial expertise. The most successful surgery centers, operating in the top financial quartile, are laser-focused on data, benchmarks and proactive operations. In this session, you will gain expert-level insights into these practices, ultimately empowering you to maximize profitability, master key financial metrics and effectively communicate financial performance information to your board. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, you will learn actionable strategies to drive financial performance and confidently lead your organization toward sustained financial success.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Peer Review and Beyond
Faculty: Nyleen Flores, BA, CPMSM, CPCS, CPCO, CASC
AEU Content Area: Human Resources
Explore the critical role that peer review plays in enhancing safety and quality in your surgery center. Then, focus on the steps you need to take to implement a top-quality process that can lead to better surgical outcomes, increased patient safety and a culture of continuous improvement in your facility.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Hot Topics in HIPAA
Faculty: Angela T. Burnette, ESQ
AEU Content Area: Regulatory and Legal Issues
Tired of the same old Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training? This session provides a refreshing format for discussing the hot topics and real-life scenarios that make HIPAA come alive. What are the HIPAA nuances you need to know about? What are the latest trends among your workforce and others that can get you crosswise with HIPAA? Are healthcare personnel still posting personal health information (PHI) on social media? (Yes, they are). Also, what do you need to know about Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints and investigations? Come for a lively discussion of what's new and what you need to know. This session is for beginner, intermediate and advanced practitioners and combines positivity and humor with HIPAA.
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3:45 pm–5:00 pm
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Achieving Advanced Certification for Total Joint Replacements and Spine Surgery: Creating a Center of Excellence
Faculty: Raghu Reddy, MBA, BS, CMR Michael Patterson, MSN, RN, FACHE Mary Haugen, MA, RN
AEU Content Area: Delivery of Patient Care
Join this session to discuss the importance of achieving advanced total joint and spine surgery accreditation and the impact this advanced accreditation can have on the financial performance and patient outcomes at your ASC. Topics will include
- best practices for patient selection and anesthesia guidelines,
- the importance of patient and support person education for advanced certification,
- strategies for care coordination and emergency management, and
- how the clinical records and documentation differ from what is required for standard accreditation.
Panel members will share how to kick-start the program with a team effort and develop a strategic plan with your surgery center’s leadership.
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6:00 pm–9:00 pm
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ASCA Social Event
Join us for a memorable night under the stars at Camp ASCA! The Gaylord Rockies Resort offers the ideal setting and ambiance for a party embracing the great outdoors. With delicious food and refreshing beverages, attendees will be able to take in the crisp Colorado air next to the comfort of a warm fire. S’mores will certainly be a welcome treat after attendees test their outdoor skills with axe throwing and other camp activities.
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