Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Scott Hannum, Partner at Emerge Ortho and President and Medical Director of Brunswick Surgery Center
Jun 28, 2025
Scott Hannum, a veteran orthopedic surgeon and Partner at Emerge Ortho, shares his journey of establishing a successful surgery center during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the shift toward outpatient orthopedic procedures, emphasizing the rise of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and the benefits of strategic partnerships. Hannum highlights the challenges of regulations, reimbursement, and advocates for transformative technology like AI and robotic surgery to enhance patient care and efficiency in outpatient settings.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Orthopedics Shift to Outpatient
- The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the already ongoing shift of orthopedic surgeries to outpatient settings.
- Most orthopedic surgeries can now be done safely and efficiently at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).
ASC Growth Faces Regulatory Hurdles
- ASC growth faces regulatory and facility access challenges despite rising demand.
- Stringent state regulations limit ownership and speed of ASC development, creating access barriers.
ASC Reimbursement Disparities
- Federal reimbursement rates for surgeries at ASCs are lower than hospitals despite similar care.
- This reimbursement disparity presents economic challenges and requires national-level lobbying efforts.