Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Jeffrey Singerman, Administrator and COO, Manhattan Endoscopy Center

Date: November 30, 2025
Host: Grace Linkeller
Guest: Jeffrey Singerman

Episode Overview

In this episode, recorded live at the 31st Annual Business and Operations of ASCs, Grace Linkeller interviews Jeffrey Singerman, the Administrator and COO of Manhattan Endoscopy Center. The discussion centers around the rapid expansion of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) market, the impact of technological innovation (particularly AI and advanced EHR systems), and the opportunities and challenges in collaboration and staffing. Singerman offers a candid, practical, and forward-looking perspective on both clinical and administrative aspects shaping the future of ASCs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Background (00:35–01:20)

• About Manhattan Endoscopy Center:
  • Single-specialty, GI-specific ASC, not hospital-affiliated
  • Located in Midtown Manhattan
  • Features 7 procedure rooms, expects ~10,000 patients annually
• Singerman’s Role: Administrator and Chief Operating Officer

2. Growth of the ASC Market (01:20–02:41)

• Strong Growth Drivers:
  • Cost Differential: Lower cost base compared to hospitals and hospital outpatient departments.
    • “The cost base is much lower within the ASC environment and our outcomes, I’m happy to say, are probably as good if not better than what goes on in the hospital.” – Jeffrey Singerman (01:41)
  • Agility and Flexibility: ASCs can adopt new technology and pivot faster than large hospital systems.
    • “We can pivot from a technological standpoint much quicker than the larger health systems that have to go through layers and layers of bureaucracy…” – Jeffrey Singerman (01:56)
• Advice for ASC Leaders:
  • Be flexible, open-minded, and carefully evaluate return on investment (ROI) of any innovations.
    • “You need to be flexible, open minded and evaluate what your ROI is going to be on any investment…” – Jeffrey Singerman (02:23)

3. The Role of Technology in ASC Operations (02:41–04:45)

Dividing Tech Impact: Clinical vs. Administrative

• Clinical Side:
  • AI, in its current form, hasn’t exhibited dramatic benefits in GI so far.
  • Anticipates future AI advancements in:
    • Polyp detection
    • Real-time histology assessment for early cancer detection
      • “Where we’ll probably see the most advances will be in polyp detection and possibly being able to look at—when a gastroenterologist is doing histology—if this is cancerous or not before it’s ever removed from the body.” – Jeffrey Singerman (03:19)
• Administrative Side:
  • AI and technology likely to have biggest near-term impact by automating documentation, supporting insurance compliance, and reducing staffing burden.
    • “The impacts on the administrative side… would ultimately… reduce staffing and help in the area of documentation from a physician standpoint… to meet criteria that the insurance companies are putting up there to inhibit reimbursement or look for excuses to deny claims.” – Jeffrey Singerman (03:47)
• Most Transformative Tech:
  • Voice dictation and advanced EMR (electronic medical record) systems stand out.
    • Beta testing for procedure note voice dictation underway—future impact expected within 18–24 months.
      • “I see beta testing now going on in voice dictation for procedure notes… I’m also starting to see it in working with one company and helping to develop some of it in the procedure documentation area… those may have the biggest impact in the next 18 to 24 months.” – Jeffrey Singerman (04:20)

4. Collaboration and Joint Ventures (04:45–06:04)

• Rising Partnerships: With 60% of health systems considering ASC joint ventures, new models are emerging.
• Opportunities:
  • Recruitment & Succession Planning:
    • Collaborations with hospitals enable better recruitment and planning for workforce needs.
      • “...the hospital can direct or feed the ASC environment the physicians necessary to maintain as close to 100% occupancy as possible.” – Jeffrey Singerman (05:27)
    • Addresses challenges facing new medical graduates who weigh ASC vs. hospital career paths.
  • Combating Workforce Shortages:
    • Partnerships can help alleviate shortages, especially in anesthesia and nursing.
      • “...there’s a nationwide shortage in anesthesia and nursing, they’ll help that as well in being able to move staff around to substitute in where there are call outs...” – Jeffrey Singerman (05:45)

5. Final Thoughts & Advice for Administrators (06:04–06:25)

• Critical Mindset for Leaders:
  • Flexibility and thorough due diligence in investment decisions are vital for ASC administrators.
    • “Any administrator needs to be flexible and they need to do their homework. They need to do their due diligence to ensure that whatever investments they’re making are going to be in the best interest for the ASC.” – Jeffrey Singerman (06:11)

Notable Quotes

• “The cost base is much lower within the ASC environment and our outcomes, I’m happy to say, are probably as good if not better than what goes on in the hospital.” – Jeffrey Singerman (01:41)
• “We can pivot from a technological standpoint much quicker than the larger health systems that have to go through layers and layers of bureaucracy to obtain what we can do in almost an instantaneous decision.” – Jeffrey Singerman (01:56)
• “Where we’ll probably see the most advances will be in polyp detection and possibly being able to look at—when a gastroenterologist is doing histology—if this is cancerous or not before it’s ever removed from the body.” – Jeffrey Singerman (03:19)
• “Any administrator needs to be flexible and they need to do their homework. They need to do their due diligence to ensure that whatever investments they’re making are going to be in the best interest for the ASC.” – Jeffrey Singerman (06:11)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:35–01:20 – Introduction & background on Manhattan Endoscopy Center
• 01:20–02:41 – Growth drivers in the ASC market
• 02:41–04:45 – Impact of technology (AI, EHR, and EMR) on clinical and administrative operations
• 04:45–06:04 – Opportunities in ASC/hospital collaborations and workforce management
• 06:04–06:25 – Final thoughts and leadership advice

Conclusion

This episode provides a succinct yet practical overview of the trends shaping the ASC landscape, especially from the vantage point of an operational leader in a busy urban center. Singerman’s focus on technology, staffing, and collaborative models offers relevant guidance to other ASC administrators looking to stay nimble and effective as the market continues to evolve.