ABOUT TASCS
With one of the largest state contingents in the nation (approximately 400 ASCs), Texas patients and health care providers have clearly embraced the incredible quality that ASCs provide and made ASCs an integral part of our state's health care delivery system. In addition to employing over 7,300 Texans, the nearly 400 Texas ASCs will have an estimated economic impact of nearly $1.7 billion and will pay an estimated $424 million in 2009 taxes (according to a January 2009 economic study conducted by the Texas ASC Society).
Founded in 2003, the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) serves as the voice of the Texas ASC industry. In addition to serving as the Texas ASC industry's stakeholder voice in both the regulatory and legislative arenas in Austin, TASCS provides its members with timely information about public policy and industry information that often cannot be found elsewhere, interactive conferences that bring in some of the nation's top speakers, and valuable vendor and continuing education discounts and services.
WHY DO TEXAS ASCS HAVE A TRADE ASSOCIATION?
Over 180 Texas ASCs have decided that pooling their resources together to advance their industry’s needs is more effective than having multiple fragmented and incomplete voices. TASCS serves as a collective body to advance the industry’s public policy needs, obtain timely and leading-edge information critical to ASC operations, and learn more about industry innovations through networking opportunities.
Like the ASC that you operate, TASCS is a low-cost and efficient organization that focuses on producing the highest quality possible and outstanding results for its members. Despite the low membership fee, TASCS provides a high rate of return on your investment.
Among the membership benefits:
THE INDUSTRY'S STAKEHOLDER VOICE IN LOBBYING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Many lobbyists charge clients thousands of dollars a month. However, TASCS membership, which includes the services of a lobbyist, allows Texas ASCs to pool their resources together to retain the services of one of the state’s most respected health care lobbyists.
As the Texas ASC industry’s trade association, TASCS serves as the industry’s stakeholder voice at the regulatory table. When regulations are about to be developed or administered, regulators turn to TASCS to inquire about how the rules could impact ASCs. As a result, many Texas ASCs participate in the pilot programs and offer feedback to the regulators.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND MEETINGS
Health care is unique when compared to other industries in that government policy often serves as the “main driver” for the industry when determining business strategies. With approximately 50 percent of health care reimbursed by government insurance programs, knowing the latest public policy information and how to interpret is critical to an ASC’s well-being. As a result, TASCS places an emphasis on offering timely and leading-edge information to ASCs through electronic newsletters, white papers, conference calls, and interactive events. TASCS’s electronic newsletters and educational events have been quoted in a number of ASC industry publications all over the country.
NETWORKING
TASCS serves as a low-cost way to build a community of Texas ASCs. It provides a forum for competitors to get to know each other as individuals and share interests and ideas of common purpose. From annual conferences, summer seminars, and legislative conferences each year to committees, TASCS provides its members with a number of ways to get to know the rest of the Texas ASC industry. TASCS members vary greatly in their level of activity. But they all have one thing in common: TASCS provides them with a forum to participate in the industry.
INDUSTRY NEWS
TASCS provides its members with the latest news regarding products and services. In addition, a number of TASCS vendor members offer Texas ASCs special discounts.
- Executive Committee
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Mark Quigley, MBA, CASC, President
Mark Quigley, MBA, CASC, President
Mark Quigley, MBA, CASC, is the Chief Operating Officer for Atlantic Health Group based in Houston. Atlantic Health Group, which develops, finances and manages ASCs, Hospitals, and Medical Office Buildings. Mr. Quigley was formerly the Divisional Vice President of Operations for Foundation Surgery Affiliates, former President of the Texas Medical Group Management Association, and has served as TASCS's Vice President since January of 2005.
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Fiaz Zaman, Vice President
Fiaz Zaman, Vice President
Bio coming soon.
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Marilyn Christian, RN, BSN, CNOR, CASC, Secretary/Treasurer
Marilyn Christian, RN, BSN, CNOR, CASC, Secretary/Treasurer
Ms. Christian is the President/CEO of Advantage Surgical Partners has extensive experience in the Ambulatory Surgery Center multi-specialty industry serving as Center Administrator, Director of Nursing, Vice President of Clinical Operations and Regulatory Compliance, Chief Operating Officer, and consulting services for ambulatory healthcare facilities including: ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic imaging centers and surgical hospitals. Mrs. Christian’s experience and responsibilities include all phases of start-up, development and management of healthcare operations which include periOperative services, physician relations, business office operations, marketing, budgeting, contracting, governance, quality assurance, benchmarking, plant operations, regulatory compliance, national accreditation, personnel management and vendor relationships.
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Jill Sluder, RN CASC
Jill Sluder, RN CASC
Ms. Sluder is a Registered Nurse and Certified Administrator of Surgery Center (CASC) with over 15 years experience in the surgical field and over 20 years experience in healthcare. Ms. Sluder is the Administrator and Partner of Summit Ambulatory Surgery Center in Houston, TX. She is the active President of Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society where she has served on the Board of Directors since 2008 and served as vice-president 2009-2010. Ms. Sluder is an active AAAHC surveyor since 2006 where she performs surveys throughout the United States for facilities obtaining AAAHC Accreditation and Medicare Deemed Ambulatory Surgery Center status. Ms. Sluder is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of MCA and Associates where she performs clinical consulting for facilities and management companies throughout the United States.
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John Constantine
John Constantine
John Constantine is a partner in Surgical Management Partners which owns and manages three ambulatory surgery centers and an imaging center in Central Texas. Mr. Constantine also sits on the Board of Advocate MD, a major medical liability insurance company. Mr. Constantine testified before the Texas Legislature on behalf of TASCS during the 79th Legislative Session and has served on the TASCS Board since January, 2005.
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Bruce Levy, MD, JD
Bruce Levy, MD, JD
Chief Executive Officer, Austin Gastroenterology
Chief Executive Officer, Austin Endoscopy Center I & II
Dr. Levy received his Medical Degree from Hahnemann Medical College and his Legal Degree from The University of Houston Bates School of Law.
He is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist who previously practiced at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and served on the Baylor College of Medicine faculty.
He was appointed the Executive Director of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners in 1993 and served in that capacity until 2000. During that same time, he also served as the Executive Director of the Texas State Board of Physician Assistants, as well as Chairman of the Health Professions Council of Texas.
Dr. Levy has served on multiple, prestigious national medical policy commissions and has been a consultant to a majority of the national medical organizations. He is the past Deputy Executive Vice President of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States.
Dr. Levy “unretired” and became the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of Austin Gastroenterology, P.A. and Austin Endoscopy Centers in 2002.
Dr. Levy has actively testified in front of the Texas Legislature for TMA, TSGE, and on behalf of the ASC industry, as well as in front of the United States Senate Committees on Health Issues. -
William Crowder, Jr., M.D., FACOG
William Crowder, Jr., M.D., FACOG
William Crowder, Jr., MD helped to start the Conroe Surgery Center in 1983 with 16 other physicians. After resyndicating and building a new larger facility in 2003, he is currently the Chair of the Board of Managers of that facility, which supports approximately 55 physicians who actively practice there. He actively practices OB/GYN along with five partners and lives in the Conroe/Woodlands area. Dr. Crowder has been on the HealthSouth Board of Advisors for the past four years.
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Stephen E. Blake, JD, MBA
Stephen E. Blake, JD, MBA
Steve Blake is the CEO for Central Park Surgery Center, LP in Arlington, TX and was instrumental throughout the building, development, implementation, accreditation, and operational phases of the facility. In addition to his administrative duties at the surgery center, Steve also is the CEO for Central Park Ear, Nose, and Throat, LLP. Previous background includes being a certified public accountant (LA, FL), parish (county) manager, and has worked with numerous healthcare systems, ASCs, and medical groups across the country. Mr. Blake has served on the TASCS Board since 2008.
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Raymund C. King, MD, JD
Raymund C. King, MD, JD
Dr. King is the principal and founder of the Law Offices of Raymund C. King, MD, JD, PLLC, in Plano, Texas. Featured in the 2008 Forbes Magazine “Texas Legal Profiles,” named one of 2007 Fortune Magazine’s “America’s Premier Lawyers” as well as a Texas SuperLawyer “Rising Star” in Healthcare Law, Dr. King represents a broad spectrum of clients in the corporate and healthcare arena. After receiving his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Dallas, he obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, Texas. He completed his residency training in Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center prior to going into private practice. After ten years of medical practice, he obtained his law degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law, and in 2004 he was awarded the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award from the OCU law school.
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Jeff Blankinship
Jeff Blankinship
Jeffery C. Blankinship, a resident of Dallas, TX, has been in healthcare for 20 plus years. Starting out in California in 1988 after graduating from Southern Methodist University, Mr. Blankinship established a network of industrial medical facilities ultimately evolving into a network of Pain Management Surgical Centers throughout the Southwest. Upon his return to Dallas, he worked in home healthcare, physician practice management, pain management, and the ambulatory surgical business. Jeff and his wife, Courtney created Surgical Notes in 1997. Surgical Notes began with its focus on medical transcription, tailored specifically towards ambulatory surgical centers. By working closely with each of the ASCs, Surgical Notes sensed the need for a cohesive, synchronized medical records solution. Surgical Notes created a digital medical records product, an application which was borne out of witnessing the day-to-day, often repetitive, manual procedures performed by their ASC customers. Today, VMR Express is revolutionizing chart creation and document imaging and management.
Mr. Blankinship has since created several internet-based companies such as MyDoctorsNotes.Com, and is currently a part owner of an International Medical Software and Service Company based in India. He and his family are ardent supporters of Families at the Dump, an organization which serves to meet the physical, spiritual, medical, emotional and educational needs of families that live along Hope Road, located at the base the city dump in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Mr. Blankinship is married and has three boys ages 16, 10 and 8. (Miles, Dawson and Pierce) -
Milla Jones
Milla Jones
Milla Perry Jones is the Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs for United Surgical Partners International. USPI owns and operates 31 ASCs and 7 surgery hospitals in Texas. Ms. Jones has been very active in recruiting Facility Members and is a passionate advocate at both the state and national level for physician ownership of healthcare facilities. Ms. Jones has served on the TASCS Board since January, 2005.
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Mark Vital, MD
Mark Vital, MD
I was born in Beaumont, Texas but was quickly transplanted to Littleton, Colorado when I was just two months old. Colorado taught me to weather the cold and I soon learned to love the snow and became an enthusiastic skier.
Each student of my sixth grade science class was assigned an organ of the body and instructed to write an informational paper on that organ. My assigned organ was the eye and I still have that report. Ever since, I have been passionate about the sense of sight and its preservation. The idea of entering medicine was an early and easy decision.
My road through advanced education began with a move back to Texas in 1984 where I attended Cypress Creek High School in northwest Houston. I then attended Rice University and was elected President of Baker College. After graduating from Rice in 1993, I attended The University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas where I was lucky enough to meet my wonderful wife Kathie. At the conclusion of medical school in 1997, we returned to Houston where I completed my internship at St. Joseph Hospital and my ophthalmology residency at The University of Texas Hermann Hospital. My relationship with Houston Eye Associates (HEA) began in 2001 with my fellowship in Cornea and External and Infectious Disease with Dr. Jeffery Lanier. I was conferred certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2002.
I was honored to join Houston Eye Associates in 2002 because of the achievements and dedication of the physicians and staff that comprise the group. As the largest ophthalmology practice in Texas, HEA is able to offer its patients and consulting doctors advanced diagnostic testing and expert eye care in all of the sub-specialties of ophthalmology.
I am a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Texas Ophthalmological Association, the Texas Medical Association, the Houston Ophthalmological Society, and the Harris County Medical Society.
I am the proud father of a son, Coleman, and a daughter, Kennedy, who keep me grounded and keep me on my toes. My wife Kathie (Dr. Diase), is one of H Texas Magazine's Top Docs and practices obstetrics and gynecology at Southwest OB/GYN. She makes sure to remind me that I'm not the smartest one in our household.
I enjoy performing normal comprehensive eye exams as well as treating complex ocular issues such as infections, trauma, corneal dystrophies, corneal scars, pterygia, cataracts and other anterior segment problems. My office works hard to accommodate major and minor ocular emergencies quickly.
My philosophy for the practice of ophthalmology is to deliver quality medical and surgical interventions, when medically necessary, on an individualized basis, that help to preserve and improve ocular and general health. I strive to protect and improve the way my patients' eyes see, feel, and look. -
Bill Ashcraft
Bill Ashcraft
Bio coming soon.
ASC Products and Services
Gulfpoint Medical | Linda Gunter | 210.355.6464 | lindagunter@sbcglobal.net
Anesthesia Staffing & Practice Management
Anesthesia Healthcare Partners | 800.945.6133 | Meggie Nelson – meggie@ahphealthcare.com
Architecture
Boynton Williams & Associates | 972.661.5461 – Steve Risser – srisser@bwaarchitects.comKirksey Architecture | 713.426.7512 | David McLemore – Davidm@kirksey.com
KGA Architecture | 512.441.8200 | Audrey Wernecke – Awernecke@KGAarchitecture.com
Background Check
Intelius | 972.370.9393 | Steven Roth – www.intelius.com
Billing for Implantable Devices
Access MediQuip | 877.985.4850 | Lindsey Harris – Lharris@accessmediquip.com
Coding and Auditing and Transcription and Coding Education
mdStrategies | 281.358.0300 | Scott Megason – Scott@mdstrategies.com
Construction and Development
Veritas Medical Properties | 512.330.9801 | Calvin Axtell – Caxtell@veritasmedicalproperties.com
DVT
Compression Solutions | 210.286.9298 | Luke Zeutzius | luke@compressionsolutions.us
Electronic Claims Processing
The SSI Group | 800.881.2739 | Brenda Bryant – Brenda.Bryant@ssigroup.com
Finance
BBVA Compass | 713.996.2381 | Kevin Morley – Kevin.Morley@bbvacompass.com
Group Purchasing Organization
Amerinet | 877.711.5600 | Patty Rose – patty.rose@amerinet-gpo.com
Health IT
SourceMedical Solutions | 800.719.1904 | info@sourcemed.net
Infection Control Products
CareFusion | Matt Hajek | matt.hajek@carefusion.com
Insurance
Admiral Insurance Company | 512.795.0766 | Marty Michell – mmichell@admirallins.comBoylesMoak | 601.605.3080 | Durr Boyles – durboyles@boylesmoak.com
CNA HealthPro | 713.513.6212 | Barbara Taake – Barbara.taake@cna.com
HUB International | Barry Montgomery | 214.979.6242 | barry.montgomery@hubinternational.com
Madeley & Company | 214.528.1435 | Bob Madeley – Bmadeley@madeley.com
IT Infrastructure and Consulting
Paranet | 214.623.5150 | Michael Pollak – www.paranet.com
Management, Development, and Equity Firms
ASD Management | www.asdmanagement.comAdvantage Surgical Partners | 713.554.7504 | Marilyn Christian – mchristian@asp-email.com
AmSurg | www.amsurg.com
Foundation Surgery Affiliates | www.foundationsurgery.com
Nueterra Healthcare | www.nueterra.com
Surgical Care Affiliates | www.scasurgery.com
Symbion | www.symbion.com
United Surgical Partners | www.unitedsurgical.com
Medical Equipment
Medical Inventory Control | 405.752.7302 | Jane Hoffman – Jhoffman@medinv.comSoma Technology | 860.218.2575 | Jayra Andrade – Jayra.andrade@somatechnology.com
Medical Laundry
Admiral Linen Uniform Services | 713.630.0303 – www.admiralservices.comImage First DFW | 972.800.2545 | Moises Carles – mcarles@imagefirst.com
Pharmacy Services Consulting (ASC Setting)
Dembny Pharmacy Consultants | 469.222.4794 | Chris Dembny – Cdembny@tx.rr.com
Revenue Cycle Management (Coding, Billing, and Collections)
Credit Systems International | 817.496.6800 | Kathy Faith – Kathy.Faith@thecontactgroupllc.comGENASCIS (Transcription, too) | 203.721.4028 | Susan Devany – sdevany@genascis.com
SourceMedical RCM Solutions | 866.889.7722 | revenuecyclesolutions@sourcemed.net
Staffing Services
Pro Health Surgical Staffing | 206.282.6000 | Michael Delance – Mdelance@prohealthstaffing.com
Supplier
Key Surgical | 952.288.2251 | Sam Mazurek – sam.mazurek@keysurgical.comOwens & Minor | 631.365.4146 | Chris Annunziato – Chris.Annunziato@owens-minor.com
Transcription and Electronic Health Records
SourceMedical Solutions | 800.719.1904 | info@sourcemed.netSurgical Notes | 800.459.5616 | Robert Brownd – Robertb@surgicalnotes.com
Vendor Credentialing
VendorMate | 877.483.6368 | Richard Lewis – richard.lewis@vendormate.com↑ top