ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT
Beth LaBouyer Discusses the State of the Industry The executive director of the California Ambulatory Surgery Association talks about changes
and challenges affecting ASCs today.
How did you become involved in the ASC industry? LABOUYER: I came from the hospital sur- gery environment where I worked as an RN and in operating room (OR)
management. From there, I took an administrative position at a local surgery center. I fell in love with the ASC culture and the unique pa- tient experience that ASCs provide. I quickly learned that I needed ad- ditional resources and became in- volved with the California Ambula- tory Surgery Association (CASA) and the national association, which was known as the Federated Ambula- tory Surgery Association (FASA) at that time. The CASA leadership and membership were there for me when- ever I had questions and provided a wealth of information. From there, I became involved in the CASA Board and eventually transitioned to the CASA executive director. I love this industry and hope to carry on that collaborative tradition as we move the industry forward.
What do you see as the biggest challenge currently facing the ASC industry in California and at the national level? LABOUYER: There are so many changes happening with health care that ASCs need to be relevant to those changes and make sure that they are part of the solutions. We cannot be passive and as- sume that ASCs will be incorporated automatically. With the implementation of the exchanges and the subsequent revisions, ASCs need to be prepared to address transparency, physician owner- ship and utilization, and reimbursement based on quality outcomes.
30 ASC FOCUS JULY 2013
ASCs have a great story and it almost tells itself.”
—Beth LaBouyer, RN, CASC California Ambulatory Surgery Association
What legislative and regulatory trends are you seeing in California that ASCs in other states should be concerned about? LABOUYER: The biggest concern is the potential challenge to physician owner- ship. Workers’ compensation legislation proposed recently in California includ- ed language that prohibited a physician from referring patients to an ASC where the physician had an ownership interest. CASA was successful in removing the prohibition, but ASCs need to be pre- pared should additional challenges ap- pear. We need to ensure that our leaders understand the excellent care that ASCs provide and how we are an integral part of a successful health care system.
Could you explain the process of developing strong relationships with elected officials? LABOUYER: It really just takes reach- ing out. ASCs have a great story, and it almost tells itself. Once an elected of- ficial visits an ASC, it leaves a remark- able impression. By establishing this initial contact, it is fairly easy to build the relationship from there. A legisla- tor needs information that will provide background for important decisions and policy support for decisions on health care issues. They want to hear from their constituents, and health care and small business issues are important to them. Another area where ASC advocacy is important is with the major health
plans. CASA has also been successful in developing relationships with the major health plans through our Health Plan Summit and individual plan meet- ings. Just like the legislators, the insur- ance professionals need to understand ASCs and the excellent services ASCs provide. We have come a long way from establishing a more open dialogue to seeing an expansion of approved proce- dures. The outcome has been very posi- tive, and many of the insurance plans are now actively marketing ASCs.
Do you have any advice for ASCA members who are interested in being more involved in ASC advocacy activities in their home states and on Capitol Hill? LABOUYER: Anyone interested should contact their state association and ASCA. These organizations can help with initial outreach to a legislator and provide talking points and other guide- lines. The CASA Board has a focused goal to assist our members in connect- ing with their elected officials in 2013, and I know ASCA does as well. It is imperative that we all work on getting the ASC story out there.
Where do you see the ASC industry in 10 years? LABOUYER: I believe ASCs can be a fundamental and successful compo- nent of the Affordable Care Act, es- pecially as the more efficient and low- cost provider to the system. I fear that if we are not involved today and work- ing together to get this message out there, we could miss out on important opportunities and be lost.
ASCA’s Kara Newbury interviewed Beth LaBouyer.
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