Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: In-Depth Summary of Episode Featuring Tammy Smittel, Group CEO at SCA Health

Podcast Information:

• Title: Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
• Host: Grace Lynn Keller
• Guest: Tammy Smittel, Group CEO at SCA Health
• Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Grace Lynn Keller engages in a compelling discussion with Tammy Smittel, the Group CEO at SCA Health. Recorded live at the 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic, and Pain Management-Driven ASC and the Future of Spine Conference, the conversation delves into current industry trends, workforce challenges, the evolving role of outpatient care, and innovative initiatives shaping the future of healthcare.

Guest Introduction

Tammy Smittel begins by introducing herself and her role:

"Hi, I'm Tammy Smittel. By trade, I'm a nurse. I'm almost 30 years of being a nurse. Proud of that. I'll always be a nurse."
— Tammy Smittel [00:59]

She oversees Stonegate Surgery Center and Northwest Hill Surgical Hospital in Austin, Texas, managing a team of 14 ORs focused primarily on orthopedic and spine procedures.

Key Industry Trends

When asked about the most significant trends in the healthcare industry, Tammy highlights the increasing higher acuity cases in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and surgical hospitals:

"We're seeing higher ASA levels... sicker patients... being treated well and safely in our surgery center."
— Tammy Smittel [01:39]

She emphasizes the delicate balance leaders must maintain between embracing higher acuity cases and ensuring patient safety. Collaborations with competent anesthesia groups and skilled surgeons are crucial in navigating this balance. Tammy also notes the shift of procedures to ASCs, observing improved patient outcomes without elevated infection rates.

Staffing and Workforce Challenges

Addressing the persistent issue of staffing in healthcare, Tammy shares her organizational strategies:

"Building culture and my two facilities, the culture is totally different at both of them... creating this family and taking care of patients as a team."
— Tammy Smittel [02:48]

Tammy advocates for cultivating a strong, positive workplace culture over simply offering the highest pay. By fostering an environment where teamwork is paramount and responsibilities are shared ("We mop floors, everyone mops floors"), her facilities have successfully retained staff without facing significant staffing shortages. This approach ensures that employees are motivated by more than just financial incentives, leading to a committed and cohesive team.

Evolution of Orthopedic and Spine ASCs

The conversation shifts to the growing role of outpatient care within orthopedics and spine specialties:

"The very first orthopedic surgeon to perform a peripheral nerve stem on a patient post total knee... patient outcomes have been great."
— Tammy Smittel [04:17]

Tammy highlights the innovative procedures being adopted within ASCs, such as peripheral nerve stems for managing chronic pain in orthopedic patients. She observes that as technology advances, traditional orthopedists are expanding their repertoire to include non-traditional procedures, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes. The willingness to embrace new technologies and procedures is pivotal for continued growth and success in outpatient settings.

Innovations and Initiatives

Discussing innovations that improve efficiency and outcomes, Tammy shares insights into strategic partnerships and care models:

"My two facilities have teamed up with a large hospital system... it's a win-win for both the surgery centers and the hospital system."
— Tammy Smittel [05:35]

SCA Health’s collaboration with a major hospital system provides mutual benefits: ASCs gain reliable patient referrals, while hospitals have diversified outlets as more procedures move to outpatient settings. Despite challenges like patient allocation and physician alignment between entities, Tammy anticipates continued growth in such partnerships as the landscape of surgical care evolves.

Conclusion

As the conversation wraps up, Tammy reiterates her appreciation for the discussion:

"No, I think that's it. Thank you guys for having me." — Tammy Smittel [06:38]

Grace Lynn Keller concludes by acknowledging the live recording at the conference, underscoring the relevance and immediacy of the topics discussed.

Key Takeaways

1. Higher Acuity in ASCs: There's a noticeable trend of more complex cases being handled in ambulatory settings, necessitating robust collaborations and safety protocols.

2. Culture Over Compensation: Building a strong organizational culture can effectively mitigate staffing challenges, leading to better employee retention and patient care.

3. Technological Advancements: Embracing innovative procedures and technologies within orthopedics and spine care can significantly enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

4. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations between ASCs and large hospital systems are becoming increasingly vital, offering mutual benefits and facilitating the shift towards outpatient care models.

This episode provides valuable insights for healthcare leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare environments. Tammy Smittel’s experiences and strategies offer a blueprint for fostering successful, patient-centered care in an evolving industry landscape.