Billing and coding remain among the most operationally complex—and risk-laden—areas of ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management. To explore how ASCs can keep pace with increasing complexity, Bob Lathrop, CPC, CPC-I, CASCC, Director of Coding Operations at Surgical Information Systems, recently appeared on The ASC Podcast with John Goehle to share practical guidance drawn from his years of ASC-specific experience.
In the episode, Bob discussed how the ASC coding environment has shifted in recent years, with more advanced procedures, heightened payer scrutiny, and expanding policy requirements all raising the stakes for accuracy. He highlighted why ASC coding demands a different skill set than hospital or professional coding, and why experience, ongoing education, and access to peer expertise are essential for long-term success.
Bob also addressed common operational decisions surgery centers face, including when in-house coding may no longer be sustainable and how outsourced ASC billing or hybrid models can help centers maintain compliance without overextending or investing in more staff. Throughout his conversation with John, Bob emphasized the importance of routine audits, strong documentation practices, and clear communication among coders, administrators, and physicians.
Listeners looking for real-world insight into managing ASC billing and coding challenges, from compliance planning to reimbursement optimization, are encouraged to listen to the full episode of The ASC Podcast with John Goehle.
