Important Notice for Patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

by

Please be advised that while our surgery center is committed to providing high-quality care, some services you receive during your procedure may be provided by independent practitioners (such as anesthesia, pathology or radiology providers) who may not participate in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida network. As a result, you may receive a separate bill from an out-of-network provider.

Our center and AMSURG comply with the No Surprises Act. For Anesthesia Services performed by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, your plan should provide in-network coverage. You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (including co-payment, deductible and co-insurance which would be required if the provider was in-network).

We encourage you to contact your insurance plan directly to understand your out-of-network benefits and potential financial responsibility. If you have questions about which providers may be involved in your care, please speak with our staff.

Thank you for choosing our center for your care.

A U.S. News & World Report Best Ambulatory Surgery Center!

by

For the second year, the Surgery Center of Volusia has been named one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. These ratings of outpatient surgical centers offer patients a data-informed resource when seeking outpatient surgical care. 

As an AMSURG-affiliated surgery center, we are at the forefront of gastroenterology and orthopedics and spine. AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services with 64 of its surgery centers being recognized by U.S. News. 

“Providing high-quality patient care is a core commitment at every AMSURG center,” said Jeff Snodgrass, President and CEO of AMSURG. “Having 64 of our centers recognized by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the expertise and compassion of our teams across the country. This achievement directly reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence. Congratulations to all centers honored.” 

U.S. News and its partner CareJourney rated more than 4,000 surgery centers across the country on several criteria, including how successfully they avoided complications, ER visits, unplanned hospitalizations and other undesirable outcomes; patient outcomes; risk-adjustment and more. Ambulatory Surgery Centers were evaluated in four separate specialty areas: Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology and Urology. 

Click here for more information. For more on the U.S. News Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings, explore Facebook and Instagram using #BestASCs.

CRNA Week: Spotlight on Evan Jones

by

Evan Jones focuses on the well-being and care of patients at the Surgery Center of Volusia in Port Orange, Florida. 

Jones is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and a 10-year affiliate of the AMSURG Anesthesia network. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who are certified to administer anesthesia at U.S. medical facilities, including ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). 

“Working at an ASC allows for a more balanced [work/life] schedule,” Jones said. “It also provides a more comfortable setting for the patient and anesthesia provider relationship. In addition, ASCs provide a more personable and less intimidating environment, and overall, a great experience for the patient.” 

Honor Professionals during National CRNA Week

During National CRNA Week (Jan. 19-25), the U.S. celebrates nearly 74,000 CRNAs and residents in nurse anesthesiology programs in the United States. This year’s theme is “CRNAs: Exceptional Care. Innovative Leaders.”   

CRNA services include pre-anesthesia evaluation, administering anesthetic, monitoring and evaluating a patient’s vital signs and managing the patient throughout surgery. CRNAs safely deliver more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States.

“While working with AMSURG, one of my career highlights was helping to be a part of an ASC that has been recognized as one of the best in the nation [for 2024-2025] according to U.S. News & World Report, as well as being recognized as a ‘Center of Excellence,’” he said. “Knowing that my anesthesia practice helped assist in making this happen is very rewarding professionally.” 

Ondee Whitman, AMSURG Anesthesia Services Associate Vice President, praised Jones and all CRNA teammates for their dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.  

“This is a great opportunity to highlight our own outstanding CRNAs, whose expertise and compassionate care go above and beyond every single day,” Whitman said. “Whether it’s ensuring patient comfort before a procedure, providing expert anesthesia management or being a calm presence in the operating room, these individuals exemplify the very best in patient-centered care.”

A U.S. News & World Report Best Ambulatory Surgery Center!

by

Recently, Shared Content was named as one of the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. The debut ratings of outpatient surgical centers offer patients a data-informed resource when seeking outpatient surgical care.

As an AMSURG affiliated surgery center, we are at the forefront of gastroenterology. AMSURG is a leader in ambulatory surgery center services with 57 of its surgery centers being recognized by U.S. News.

“Every day, AMSURG surgery centers provide worldclass care for patients, making us a leader in multiple outpatient surgery operations,” said Jeff Snodgrass, president and chief executive officer of AMSURG. “U.S. News’ recognizing 57 AMSURG Partners highlights the excellent work accomplished day in and out by our teams across the country. Congratulations to all those named to the Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers list for 2024.”

U.S. News and its partner CareJourney rated nearly 5,000 surgery centers across the country on several criteria, including how successfully they avoided complications, ER visits, unplanned hospitalizations and other undesirable outcomes; patient outcomes; risk-adjustment and more. Ambulatory Surgery Centers were evaluated in four separate specialty areas, including Gastroenterology, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology.

Click here for more information, and for more on the U.S. News Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings, explore Facebook and Instagram using #BestASCs.

Actors “Lead From Behind” With Colonoscopy Screenings

by

A simple bet between friends — and colonoscopy screenings — may have saved the lives of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The co-owners of the Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales made a friendly wager, which Reynolds ultimately lost. McElhenney bet that if he learned to speak Welsh, Reynolds would publicly broadcast his first colonoscopy to raise awareness regarding colon cancer.

The actors’ screening video launched the Lead From Behind campaign in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA). The campaign’s focus is to “help people learn that colon cancer is ‘The Preventable Cancer’” through timely screenings.

Research shows more young people are getting colon cancer. Now, leading healthcare agencies recommend screenings begin at 45 for those at average risk.

Both Reynolds (Deadpool) and McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) are 45.

“Part of being this age is getting a colonoscopy,” Reynolds said in the video. “It’s a simple step that could literally — I mean literally — save your life.”

Colonoscopy Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US. But it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer is preventable through timely screenings.

Colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Through a colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Reynolds underwent his colonoscopy first. Following the procedure, Dr. Jonathan LaPook, his gastroenterologist, praised Reynolds’ thorough bowel prep. This preparation helped LaPook find and remove an “extremely subtle polyp” on the right side of Reynolds’ colon.

“This was potentially lifesaving for you,” LaPook said. “This is exactly why you do this.”

Later, Dr. Leo Treyzon, also a gastroenterologist, told McElhenney he found three polyps during his colonoscopy.

“They were small,” Dr. Treyzon said. “They were not a big deal, but [it was] certainly a good idea that we found them and removed them.”

The doctors recommended the actors repeat the colonoscopy in a couple of years.

Young People Are at Risk

The CCA reports one in 24 people gets colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is not just a disease of the elderly. One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50. This is called early-onset or young-onset cancer.

Research indicates that people who are diagnosed when younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

For these reasons, screenings should begin at 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. People with digestive symptoms should be considered for colonoscopy regardless of age.

Don’t Delay Your Screening

By 2030, colon cancer is predicted to be the top cancer killer for people younger than 50, according to the CCA.

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. Plans vary, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to verify your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the CCA Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist™ or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

A colon cancer screening may save your life or the life of a loved one. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a colonoscopy.