By tagging along with the TASCS team, the Texas Workforce Commission was able to learn the ins and outs of an ambulatory surgery center – Spicewood Surgery Center in Austin, Texas. 

This month, the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center (TASCS) traveled back to Spicewood Surgery Center, visiting with Administrator Katie Pierson, DNP, RN, ONC and Collin Bradley, MPH, the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) new Industry & Policy Specialist for Outreach & Employer Initiatives.

Bradley was interested in learning more about ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) and the policy issues they face. By visiting this Austin-based facility, he was able to witness firsthand the ease that patients have walking into the surgery center, checking in, being taken care of throughout their procedures, and then leaving with their loved ones. 

As part of TWC, Bradley was anxious to hear how ASCs handle workforce shortages, too, and how they work to recruit and retain employees. “Our staff is like family,” Pierson shared. “They love coming to work and knowing they have regular hours, no late nights, and no on-call hours - EVER. Plus, we do continuing education, catered lunches, and cross training, all of which helps if they ever do need to find a new position outside of this center.”

When discussing ASC quality outcomes and metrics. Pierson led Bradley through her recent AAAHC survey, along with which state and CMS requirements ASCs have to comply.

The tour of Spicewood Surgery Center concluded by covering the many valuable offerings TWC has to offer employers in Texas, the great relationship TASCS & TWC have built over the years, and the endless possibilities for the future!