Session Choices Galore
With more than 60 sessions led by experts in ASC management, human resources, federal regulatory policy and clinical care, you will leave Boston with the information and tools you need to improve your personal performance and ensure your ASC’s short- and long-term success.
Getting ready for a Medicare or accreditation survey? Attend the session that Jan Allison, senior director regulatory, clinical services for Nashville-based ASC management company Amsurg, will lead.
"A large portion of regulatory deficiencies involve a lack of staff following the facility policies and procedures as they are written," Allison says. "You will learn about the policies accreditation and regulatory bodies commonly reference during surveys and the challenges found with how policies are upheld. You will also learn how to make education more meaningful to improve staff adherence to policies and procedures."
Other breakout session topics include cybersecurity, benchmarking, joint ventures, bundled payments, emergency preparedness, managed care contracting and what you need to know to bring new procedures, like cardiac procedures and total joints, into your ASC. You also will find sessions on how to survive the loss of a key physician, managing risk, writing a plan of correction, patient selection criteria and best practices in drug disposal, developing a regional block program and managing a disruptive physician.
At ASCA 2018's pre-meeting workshops, you can learn what your ASC needs to do now to comply with the new Life Safety Code requirements or take a look at the changes in accreditation requirements that were enacted most recently. You can also attend the Certified Administrator Surgery Center (CASC) review course. Learn more.
Networking
Even with so many educational session choices, attendees will still have ample opportunities to connect with their colleagues during the meals in the exhibit hall, evening receptions and regular breaks scattered throughout the schedule.
"Administrators and business office managers come from all over the United States and beyond to the ASCA meeting, bringing stories of their successes and the challenges they face," Young says. "By networking, you will often find ideas to help resolve the seemingly impossible situation you are facing. You will also find support and comfort in knowing you are not alone in the industry."
Solutions for Your ASC
You won’t want to miss the opportunity ASCA 2018 provides for you to visit the largest ASC-specific exhibit hall of the year. Watch product demonstrations, compare your options and speak one-on-one with suppliers who are eager to tell you about their newest offerings designed to help you take your ASC's performance to the next level.
"Meeting vendors that provide education on their latest and greatest products and services can spark ideas for creative solutions to problematic issues that can be implemented in the ASC following the completion of the conference," Allison says. See an interactive map of the exhibit hall and a list of exhibitors.
The Venue
Located in the heart of the Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood, Hynes Convention Center and the meeting's host hotels are easily accessible from Logan Airport and many public transit routes.
If you come into Boston early or stay late, there is lots to do. Visit any number of Boston's renowned museums and the New England Aquarium. Get tickets for the Boston Red Sox playing at historic Fenway Park. Shop on Newbury Street. Don’t forget to explore the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that connects 16 relics of the American Revolution, including Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church and the USS Constitution.
The Bottom Line
"Sometimes our passion for what we do can fade amongst all the challenges, changes and stress of day-to-day responsibilities," Allison says. "Attending the conference can serve to reignite our passion as we make professional connections and collaborate on common issues."