Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Interview with Mark Mayo, CASC, Administrator at Associated Surgical Center
Date: September 13, 2025
Host: Francesca Matthews
Guest: Mark Mayo, CASC (Certified Administrator Surgery Center), Associated Surgical Center
Episode Overview
This episode features Mark Mayo, a veteran administrator in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) field, discussing key industry trends, future growth opportunities, and strategic approaches for independent surgery centers. Mayo brings deep experience—from founding centers in the 1980s to current leadership—offering insight into how surgical centers can adapt, align, and thrive amid ongoing healthcare changes.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Mark Mayo’s Background and Experience
[01:11]
- Started in ASCs in 1984, helping develop a 50/50 hospital-physician joint venture—still operational today.
- Served on two national ASC association boards (ASCA & CAST Credential board).
- Edited the national ASC newsletter, founded a state ASC association.
- With Associated Surgical Center (Arlington Heights, IL) since before its 2016 opening, now focusing on reaccreditation.
- “No, there were a lot of people before me, so we always build on top of that.” (Mark Mayo, [01:37])
2. Top Trends Impacting Healthcare and ASCs
[02:50]
- Rising Costs vs. Revenue: Inflation outpaces reimbursement; careful cost control, especially of implants, is essential.
- Increased Recognition: COVID-19 highlighted the value & flexibility of ASCs. They’re now recognized as integral to healthcare.
- Positive Public Awareness: Patients now value ASCs for experience and quality.
- “Surgery centers have certainly become recognized as part of a healthcare system, as opposed to fighting our way in the door.” (Mark Mayo, [03:30])
3. Opportunities in Physician-Owned Centers & Cooperative Networking
[03:54]
- Networking Potential: Sees potential for cooperative alignment among the 70% still physician-owned ASCs—avoiding mergers with hospitals or national companies.
- Independence Theme: Despite a 20-year push for joint ventures/affiliations, most centers remain independent.
- “There’s an independent streak. Despite the 20 years that we always talk about a trend of joint venturing...70, 75% of those centers still remain independent physician owned.” (Mark Mayo, [04:50])
4. Influence of Generational Shifts Among Physicians
[05:30]
- Shift Back to Independence: Younger physicians, once hospital-employed, find value in ASC independence as they mature.
- Practice Growth: Hospitals not offering joint ventures may lead physicians to migrate to independent settings.
5. Future Growth Outlook for ASCs
[06:30]
- Collaborative Hospital Relations: Hospitals now see ASCs as allies, moving less acute cases to them to free hospital resources for complex care.
- “It’s no longer a competitive environment...There’s a collaborative atmosphere now that recognizes the value of surgery centers.” (Mark Mayo, [07:35])
- Public Awareness: Patients increasingly choose ASCs for ease of scheduling, lower infection rates, and higher satisfaction.
- Growth Factors: ASC expansion depends on geography, medical staff aging, and successful succession planning.
6. Regulatory & Reimbursement Challenges
[09:52]
- Constant Regulatory Change: Staying abreast of state and Medicare regulations is crucial.
- Service Line Risks: Medicare may move common procedures (e.g., cataracts) to office-based settings, threatening ASC revenue.
- “If that trend continues, then people are going to have to start to rethink some of their line of service. So that’s a big issue.” (Mark Mayo, [10:45])
7. Value of Industry Networking and Information Sharing
[11:20]
- Importance of Staying Informed: Engaging with industry publications (Becker’s, AORN, Outpatient Surgery Magazine) and online communities is critical for adapting to change.
- Team Engagement: Sharing information with governing bodies and staff ensures organizational readiness—especially for accreditation.
- “It’s not just receiving the information. It’s taking it to your governing body. Having a discussion with the doctors there about what the implications are of these changes...” (Mark Mayo, [12:15])
- Free Resources: Many valuable webinars and materials are available, and making time for education is worthwhile.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Surgery centers have certainly become recognized as part of a healthcare system, as opposed to fighting our way in the door.” (Mark Mayo, [03:30])
- “There’s an independent streak...70, 75% of those centers still remain independent physician owned.” (Mark Mayo, [04:50])
- “It’s taking [information] to your governing body, having a discussion with the doctors there about what the implications are of these changes...” (Mark Mayo, [12:15])
- “The more the staff are informed and know, the better they shine when a surveyor comes and asks, well, why are you doing this?...So having somebody that’s involved, I think, is very important.” (Mark Mayo, [12:44])
Key Timestamps
- [01:11] – Mark Mayo’s background and early career
- [02:50] – Top three trends impacting ASCs today
- [03:54] – Networking and independence among physician-owned ASCs
- [04:50] – Data on joint ventures vs. independent centers
- [06:30] – ASCs' growth outlook and hospital collaboration
- [09:52] – Regulatory challenges and reimbursement risks
- [11:20] – Industry resources and networking for continuous improvement
Conclusion
Mark Mayo’s perspective underscores the enduring strength—and evolving prospects—of ASCs in a changing healthcare environment. The trends point to greater recognition, increasing opportunities for growth, and a persistent need for adaptability and collaboration, especially among independently owned centers. Mayo's call for proactive education, robust networking, and shared industry learning is a timely reminder as regulatory and reimbursement landscapes continue to shift.
Summary by Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Team