Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center
Nov 18, 2025
Kathleen Hickman, RN, BSN, MS, CASC, is the Administrator and Clinical Director of Dutchess Ambulatory Surgical Center, boasting 25 years in the ASC industry. She delves into the exciting growth of ASCs with higher-acuity cases, the transformative impact of new CMS codes, and the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiencies. Kathleen shares her enthusiasm for cardiology expansion, discusses the challenges of consolidation, and emphasizes the importance of culture and innovation in the future of surgical care.
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Longtime ASC Leader Who Still Clinically Practices
- Kathy Hickman has worked at her ASC for 25 years and still practices nursing part-time.
- She holds a master's in healthcare administration and is CASC certified, showing long-term ASC commitment.
Three Trends Driving ASC Evolution
- Consolidation, AI, and higher-acuity cases are the top trends shaping ASCs.
- Kathy sees these trends as interconnected drivers of ASC evolution and competitiveness.
Consolidation's Tradeoffs
- Consolidation brings buying power and scale but can reduce competition and autonomy.
- Kathy believes the market can still support multiple players despite consolidation risks.