A Historic Beginning to a Great Partnership

The California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) recently hosted its second annual ASC Corporate Summit, April 10 and 11. The ASC Corporate Summit is an invitation gathering of leaders in the California ASC industry. Attendees are comprised of national corporations, smaller California-only corporations and single specialty representatives. New to this year’s meeting was the addition of a Health Plan Summit, where key officials from the major California health plans were invited.

The meeting was opened by CASA president, Debbie Mack, and legislative chair and president-elect, Shannon Blakeley. A brief history of CASA was reviewed; membership activities and the importance of a strong political action committee (PAC) were discussed. Blakeley emphasized the political role and accomplishments of CASA over the past four years as well as the CASA membership nearly doubling over this period.

CASA’s legislative advocate, Bryce Docherty, was onhand to provide an overview of the Sacramento legislative environment in regards to the current state budget crisis and healthcare issues. He also reviewed the current ASC licensure criteria and the history of CASA’s legislative efforts. CASA has been working hard over the past several years to improve and standardize the California ASC licensing criteria. CASA has met some challenges to accomplish this goal but has a firm commitment to see this goal to fruition. Docherty reviewed all the pertinent legislation that CASA is watching closely that could potentially impact ASCs in California. In particular, the Capen vs. Shewry case and the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) interpretation of the case; both were discussed.

CASA immediate past president and Summit chair, Scott Leggett, continued the discussion and stressed moving forward with a united front. He emphasized the importance of being involved politically with fundraisers and PAC donations. Leggett reviewed the goals of the Summit and introduced CASA board member and chair of the CASA Value Added Committee, Randy Todorovich. Todorovich was instrumental in arranging the participation of the health plan attendees.

Leggett and Todorovich led the discussion regarding the plans and direction for the Friday Health Plan Summit. Todorovich stressed that the focus of the meeting will be how CASA can bring value and benefit to the industry. The group of ASC leaders focused on future strategies and partnerships to shift the paradigm of how ASCs are viewed by the health plans. Rob Schwartz, senior vice president for association development and management with the ASC Association, relayed efforts from other states and partnerships with consumer and employee entities that have assisted state associations.

Following the informational Summit, attendees enjoyed a great time of networking through a golf outing and a group dinner.

The Health Plan Summit on Friday kicked-off with brief introductions by the health plan representatives in attendance. The following health plans were represented: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthnet, Aetna and Cigna.