Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Leading Change in Ambulatory Surgery with Tammy Smittle of Stonegate Surgery Center
Jul 29, 2025
Tammy Smittle, CEO of Stonegate Surgery Center, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She discusses the migration of higher acuity procedures to ASCs and the importance of direct partnerships with employers. Tammy highlights upcoming regulatory changes that will allow more procedures to be performed outpatient, emphasizing their potential to enhance patient care. Additionally, she offers strategies for growth, focusing on physician recruitment and innovative practices to maintain quality and safety in surgical environments.
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Shift of High-Acuity Cases to ASCs
- Higher acuity procedures like total knees, hips, and shoulders are safely shifting to ASCs.
- Hospitals invest in ASCs as patients prefer outpatient care, improving operational efficiencies.
CMS Inpatient-Only List Phase-Out
- CMS proposes phasing out the inpatient-only list over three years, releasing 285 musculoskeletal procedures for outpatient surgery by 2026.
- This reflects CMS recognizing ASCs' capability to safely perform complex cases.
Balanced Growth Through Recruitment
- Grow by recruiting surgeons who fit your center's culture and procedure mix.
- Keep existing surgeons happy as they are your best advocates and marketers.