Podcast Summary: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast

Guest: Dr. Benjamin Levy, Gastroenterologist & Clinical Associate of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine
Host: Gracelyn Keller, Becker's Healthcare
Recorded: November 28, 2025 | 31st Annual Business and Operations of ASCs

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. Benjamin Levy discussing trends and opportunities within the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) space, specifically focusing on gastroenterology. Dr. Levy delves into the factors driving ASC growth, the impact of new screening guidelines, the role of technology and artificial intelligence, and partnership opportunities between health systems and ASCs. He closes with practical advice for optimizing patient care and operational efficiency.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Levy’s Background and Role in ASCs

• Dr. Levy practices at the University of Chicago and is actively involved at Ingalls Same Day Surgery ASC.
• He is passionate about improving efficiency, patient care, and adopting new trends in gastroenterology.
  [00:56] Dr. Levy:

"It's been a really amazing experience to help try to make things more efficient and to improve the delivery of healthcare to an even higher level."

2. Growth of the ASC Market and Key Drivers

• The US ASC market is expected to reach $60.8 billion by 2030.
• Major Trend: Lowering the recommended age for screening colonoscopies from 50 to 45 has instantly expanded the patient base by about 19 million Americans.
• Efficiency Advantages: ASCs typically offer faster turnaround times, streamlined workflows, and improved scheduling potential.
• Use of Propofol: Contributes to increased procedural throughput and better patient experiences. [02:12] Dr. Levy:

"We recently changed the recommended screening age to begin screening colonoscopies... Now there are 19 million new Americans that need to be scoped all of a sudden between those ages of 45 and 49."

• Preventive Impact: The earlier screening aims to address rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer.
  [04:12] Dr. Levy:

"If we begin screening age 45, we can try to remove the polypus before they turn into a cancer... our job is to make sure we are able to fully schedule at ASCs and to take advantage of the opportunity..."

• Reimbursement Concerns: Ongoing vigilance regarding potential reimbursement reductions, with professional societies actively advocating for continued insurance coverage for screenings.

3. Technology and AI in ASC Operations

• AI Detection in Endoscopy: Introduction of computer-assisted detection (e.g., GI Genius) to highlight potential polyps, making procedures more accurate and efficient. [06:03] Dr. Levy:

"It puts a little box around a potential colon polyp... I like to think of it as an exercise of eyes in the room... This is like a third set of eyes."

• Impact: Especially useful for detecting subtle or flat lesions.

• Ambient Dictation and AI-driven Documentation:

  • University of Chicago uses AI apps (e.g., Bridge) for automated, real-time patient note-taking, allowing clinicians to focus on patient conversations.
  • AI picks up critical information (dates, instructions) and generates comprehensive discharge summaries. [08:17] Dr. Levy:

"Instead of having our heads buried in the computer, we're able to talk with them, have a more natural conversation... it kind of lowers our stress level..."

• Future Documentation Improvements: Real-time voice dictation during procedures (e.g., Endosoft Argus software) promises to further reduce documentation burden and increase accuracy.

4. Collaboration: Academic Health Systems and ASCs

• Cross-Provider Collaboration: University centers and private practice doctors share ASC space, expanding access to diverse patient populations.
• Benefits:
  • Extends reach of university centers into new geographic/demographic areas.
  • Increases procedural volume and overall efficiency.
  • Drives complex cases to main campuses for specialized care when needed.
  • Ensures fuller schedules and maximized use of ASC resources.
    [11:58] Dr. Levy:

"It also allows universities to be able to expand quickly into other demographics and other geographic areas... ASCs in turn, really like it because it really makes sure that their ASCs are full and we're doing procedures every day of the week..."

• Encouragement: Dr. Levy urges academic centers and ASCs alike to pursue partnerships for mutual benefit and to streamline patient pathways from first visit to procedure.

5. Best Practices: Patient Preparation & Care Coordination

• Emphasis on Patient Education: Slow down in clinic, offer clear, accessible prep instructions at multiple reading levels and in common languages of the patient base.
• Role of Nursing Navigators: Employ dedicated nursing navigators (with GI experience) for patients with a history of poor prep; this improves outcomes and reduces cancellations. [15:07] Dr. Levy:

"It's important for us to slow down in clinic and make sure that we spend an adequate amount of time with patients, preparing them from their prep... Have really great handouts... to try to have handouts in languages that you're frequently encounter..."

• Results: Significant reduction in cancellations and improved patient prep rates.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Changing Screening Guidelines:

  "This is the biggest opportunity, at least in GI for our growth..." — Dr. Levy [03:11]

• On AI in Endoscopy:

  "I kind of think of it as Top Gun, you know, in the flying scenes when you see like a box over their target..." — Dr. Levy [06:30]

• On AI-enabled Documentation:

  "It is amazing what this software is able to do. One of my favorite things is that it summarizes everything that we discuss and helps us with the patient discharge summary..." — Dr. Levy [09:38]

• On Collaboration:

  "Anytime you have collaboration, it's a really great idea because you can pool knowledge and resources and hopefully make things more efficient and just better for patients overall." — Dr. Levy [11:58]

• On Patient Care:

  "I would encourage everyone to use Nursing Navigators as much as possible. They're a great resource." — Dr. Levy [16:04]

Key Timestamps

• 00:56 — Dr. Levy’s background and involvement at Ingalls Same Day Surgery ASC
• 02:12 — Market growth driven by new lower screening age
• 06:03 — Role of AI in colonoscopy and physician-patient interaction
• 11:58 — Collaboration between ASCs and academic centers
• 15:07 — Importance of patient prep, education, and use of nursing navigators

Conclusion

Dr. Benjamin Levy provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the ASC sector, emphasizing the pivotal role of earlier screening, AI-driven innovations, and fruitful academic-private collaborations. By focusing on both technology and the human touch—through education and navigation—ASCs are well-positioned to deliver higher-quality care in an era of rapid growth and change.