Becker’s Healthcare Podcast – Episode Summary

Guest: Melissa Rice, Administrator, Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center (Trinity Health)
Host: Chanel Bunger
Recorded: Live at the 31st Annual Business and Operations of ASC Conference, Chicago
Date: November 15, 2025
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

Episode Theme

This episode features Melissa Rice, a long-tenured ASC administrator, sharing her insights on current trends, technology integration, and collaborative opportunities that are shaping the future of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in the U.S. She discusses the rapid growth in the ASC market, technology’s evolving role, and strategies for leaders to remain proactive and connected.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ASC Market Growth & Major Trends

(Starts at 01:16)

• Market Growth Drivers:
  • Major policy changes are fueling ASC expansion.
    • Notably, Medicare recently shifted 270 inpatient CPT codes to outpatient status, which Melissa identifies as a primary driver of ASC growth.
  • Payers, especially “the blues,” are incentivizing site-specific care, further pushing procedures towards ASC settings.
• Action Steps for Leaders:
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry communications (e.g., Becker's, ASCA).
  • Proactively review and renegotiate contracts for new CPT codes, including consideration of implant reimbursement.
  • Begin conversations early with all provider types—employed and independent—about upcoming trends and operational impacts.
• Quote:

  "Medicare dropped 270 of the inpatient CPT codes to move to outpatient. So I think that's one of the biggest drivers that is proving this growth." — Melissa Rice [01:37]

2. Technology Integration in the ASC Environment

(Starts at 02:41)

• AI & Robotic Surgeries:
  • AI is a topic of ongoing exploration, and its role is still developing.
  • Robotics are seen as promising but financially challenging due to high acquisition costs and restrictive contracts, making them riskier for standalone ASCs compared to centers that can share resources within a broader campus.
• EHR Advancements:
  • Significant attention on making charting less burdensome for clinicians.
  • EHR vendors are listening more to ASC leaders, prioritizing user-friendly designs to allow clinicians more time for direct patient care.
• Quote:

  "I think all the players out there are really listening to the leaders of the ASC stuff and kind of looking at how can we make this easier for our clinicians... really making sure that we can turn our care looking like direct patient care." — Melissa Rice [03:01]

3. Collaboration & Community Partnerships

(Starts at 03:57)

• Health systems and ASCs are increasingly joining forces via joint ventures.
• Inviting independent providers into system-based ASCs expands access and strengthens care networks.
• The overriding goal: broaden community access and improve patient experiences across urban, suburban, and rural locations.
• Quote:

  "If we're partnering with systems or healthcare, other providers, how do we broaden the access to our community? How... are we benefiting the patient... at the beginning?" — Melissa Rice [04:14]

4. Final Thoughts & Networking Advice

(Starts at 04:52)

• Melissa urges listeners to subscribe to Becker's newsletters and actively engage with state ASC associations for critical updates and advocacy.
• Quote:

  "Try to touch base with your state associations. I think they definitely partner well for, you know, ASCs and what's to come." — Melissa Rice [04:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On proactive leadership:

  "Start having the conversation with them now. Talk about the trends that are happening. Because once it starts in one state, we all know it's going to start coming to our state." — Melissa Rice [02:27]

• On technology’s value:

  "There's a lot of headwind coming, you know, to chart by specialties and, you know, making sure that we can, you know, have all the information that we need." — Melissa Rice [03:44]

• Closing advice:

  "Sign up for all the Becker newsletters because they give you all of the information that you need..." — Melissa Rice [04:52]

Timeline of Key Segments

• 01:00 — Melissa introduces her background in ASC administration.
• 01:37 — Discussion of market growth, policy changes, and tips for preparation.
• 02:41 — The impact of AI, robotics, and EHR technology on ASC operations.
• 03:57 — Collaborations between health systems, providers, and ASCs to address access and efficiency.
• 04:52 — Final thoughts: Importance of staying informed and involved with industry associations.

Tone & Takeaways

Melissa’s tone is pragmatic and collaborative, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of trends, leveraging technology efficiently, and cultivating partnerships that expand access and improve patient care. The episode is packed with practical advice for ASC leaders and care teams navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.