Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Laurie Noble, Administrator of The Endo Center at Voorhees

Date: September 27, 2025
Host: Laura Dearda
Guest: Laurie Noble, Administrator, The Endo Center at Voorhees

Episode Overview

This episode features a conversation with Laurie Noble, the long-standing administrator at The Endo Center at Voorhees, a busy gastroenterology ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in New Jersey. Laurie shares insights from her 30-year career in healthcare operations, focusing on trends impacting ASCs, adoption of AI-driven technology, the evolving payer landscape, and strategies for growth and patient engagement, particularly among younger adults.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Laurie Noble’s Background and the Center’s Mission

[01:10–02:16]

• Laurie brings 30 years of experience in healthcare business operations and accounting, with 13+ years in the ASC industry and 11 years at The Endo Center at Voorhees.
• She emphasizes the importance of “safe, good, quality care” and expresses pride in the team’s dedication and compassionate environment.

Quote:

“I’m just really proud of the quality of care that we provide our patients. I think that's really most important in an ASC, you know—safe, good, quality care.”
—Laurie Noble [01:27]

Top Trends in Healthcare Surgery Centers

[02:48–04:27]

Laurie highlights three main trends:

1. Financial & Operational Efficiency

   • There is increasing patient and payer preference for lower-cost care settings, fueling ASC growth.
   • Emphasis on upfront collections, especially in light of new legislation around medical debt reporting in New Jersey.

2. Responsible Use of AI Technology

   • AI is advancing rapidly, enabling measurable impact and improved patient outcomes.
   • There’s a need for proper and responsible application of AI in clinical practice.

3. Technological and Clinical Advancements

   • New surgical technologies and advancements in clinical practices allow more procedures to be safely shifted to ASCs.

Quote:

“The more preventative benefits the consumer receives, you know, the better it is for us. So, there's definitely impact there.”
—Laurie Noble [05:10]

Changing Payer Dynamics

[05:01–05:31]

• Noted improvements in insurance screening benefits, particularly as the age threshold for routine screenings drops from 50 to 45.
• Prevention-focused benefits drive volume and accessibility for patients.

Technological Transformation: AI-Assisted Polyp Detection

[05:50–08:04]

• The Endo Center has integrated AI-assisted polyp detection into colonoscopies for over three years.
• The AI module provides real-time detection, highlighting suspicious areas and increasing early detection of precancerous polyps.
• Patients are proactively seeking out centers using this technology—a testament to rising awareness and expectation.

Quote:

“We actually have patients calling the center to see if we use it. I mean, this is where we’re at in the industry. I think patients are now expecting these types of advancements. It’s no longer the exception—it’s the rule.”
—Laurie Noble [06:31]

• Physicians initially underwent a trial period to get accustomed to the technology, and adoption increased with demonstrated improvements in outcomes.

Growth Strategies and Expanding Patient Demographics

[08:15–09:53]

• Growth is consistent, with opportunities tied to keeping a close eye on ASC market trends.
• The center adopted a “fast track” model allowing certain patients to bypass a pre-procedure physician visit, boosting volume.
• Marked increase in younger patients (aged 18–45): from 12% of colonoscopy cases in 2020 to over 20% in 2025.

Quote:

“It’s important for physicians and the ASCs to educate consumers to know that going to an ASC, it’s much more affordable for them... which in turn is going to increase your ASC volume.”
—Laurie Noble [08:55]

Engaging and Educating Younger Patients

[09:53–11:08]

• The rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults necessitates targeted outreach.
• The center uses marketing and social media to educate younger populations about the importance of screenings and symptom awareness.

Quote:

“Unfortunately, you know, being in the GI setting, colorectal cancer is just hitting people younger and younger. So I think, you know, through marketing and social media, we try and put education out there for, you know, for that age group...”
—Laurie Noble [10:41]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:27 | Laurie Noble | “I’m just really proud of the quality of care that we provide our patients. That’s really most important in an ASC.”| | 06:31 | Laurie Noble | “We actually have patients calling the center to see if we use it... patients are now expecting these types of advancements.” | | 08:55 | Laurie Noble | “It’s important for physicians and the ASCs to educate consumers to know that going to an ASC, it’s much more affordable for them.” | | 10:41 | Laurie Noble | “Unfortunately... colorectal cancer is just hitting people younger and younger. So... we try and put education out there for that age group.” |

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Guest Introduction & Background: 01:10 – 02:16
• Industry Trends & Efficiency: 02:48 – 04:27
• Payer Relationships & Preventative Care: 05:01 – 05:31
• AI Technology in Practice: 05:50 – 08:04
• Growth Strategy & Young Patients: 08:15 – 09:53
• Engagement & Education for Younger Adults: 09:53 – 11:08

Conclusion

Laurie Noble’s conversation outlined a clear path for ASC success: prioritize efficiency, embrace technology responsibly, educate patients—especially younger, at-risk populations—and be adaptive with operational models to meet evolving healthcare needs. Her insights illustrate the growing importance of technological innovation, not just in delivering care, but in driving expectations and engagement among patients and payers alike.