TASCS’s 2008 Annual Conference Draws a Record Crowd
AUSTIN (November 14, 2008) – The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) concluded its annual conference in Austin today with a record attendance. Over 130 people registered to attend the two day event that
"TASCS was pleased to have some of the nation’s top health care speakers present at the conference. These speakers, many of whom are considered the top figures in the fields of finance, law and health care quality, provided attendees with a unique perspective of where the ASC industry is heading in the near future,” outgoing TASCS President Joe Zasa said. “Many of the attendees left the conference very enthusiastic about participating in TASCS’s activities with the 2009 Texas Legislature right around the corner.”
Among the speakers:
How to Communicate Effectively with Physicians
Attendees were given an overview of the relationship between physicians and ASCs. Dr. Raymund King, a physician
and health care attorney, has spoken to audiences all over the country about this issue. Speaker: Raymund King, MD, JD
TX Workers' Compensation Workshop
The workshop introduced the new Texas workers' compensation rates and regulations for Texas ASCs.
Speaker: Chuck Whitacre, TX Department of Insurance - Division of Workers' Compensation
Cross Training for ASC Employees
This talk gave ASCs an opportunity to learn more about training their employees to handle a variety of
roles within the ASC. Speaker: Marilyn Christian, RN
Public Policy Update
TASCS lobbyist Jaime Capelo provided attendees with an update on the legislative and regulatory issues that will face Texas
ASCs in the upcoming months. Mr. Capelo has already led the Texas ASC industry through a very active regulatory process
this year that included new Texas workers' compensation rates, ASC licensing rules, and data collection. Speaker: Jaime
Capelo, JD
Insurance
This panel gave ASCs an opportunity to learn more about the factors that insurance companies review when putting
together networks. In addition, Mr. Cates spoke about the aspects of in-network vs. out-of-network.
Speakers: John Pinkney, Vice President of Provider Relations (Viant) and Robert Cates - National Director of
Managed Care (National Surgical Care)
Legal Issues Facing ASCs
Amber McGraw Walsh of McGuire Woods presented an overview of legal and regulatory issues facing ASCs.
Much of the discussion focused on issues involving physician ownership and other Stark issues. Speaker:
Amber McGraw Walsh, McGuire Woods
Quality: What all ASCs Need to Know
ASCs will soon be required by CMS to report quality data. In response to this, the ASC Quality Collaboration
was created to address quality issues facing ASCs. Dr. David Shapiro serves as the Co-Chair of the
ASC Quality Collaboration and provided the presentation. Speaker: David Shapiro, MD
Luncheon & Keynote Speaker: The Wall Street View of ASCs
Banc of America Securities' Health care Facilities Equity Research Analyst Kevin Fischbeck provided the
audience with an overview of Wall Street's view of ASCs. This presentation also offered a glimpse into
the future of ASCs' growth. Speaker: Kevin Fischbeck, Banc of America
Medicare and ASCs: Moving Forward in 2009
ASC Association President Kathy Bryant provided an analysis of the latest CMS payment rates and regulations
for ASCs. In addition, this presentation analyzed how ASCs will interact with CMS in the upcoming years.
Speaker: Kathy Bryant, ASC Association
PowerPoint presentations are available by contacting TASCS Executive Director Bobby Hillert (bhillert@texasascsociety.org).
About TASCS
The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) is the state organization that represents and serves the nearly
400 ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in Texas. TASCS provides support and advocacy services to Texas ASCs. TASCS
was founded in 2003.