WISCA Offers Endless Opportunities for Wisconsin Centers

WISCA Offers Endless Opportunities for Wisconsin Centers 

The Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers Inc. (WISCA) was established in the late 1980s to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among professionals engaged in clinical and administrative management of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). WISCA serves as a vehicle whereby solutions to management problems and other ASC-related needs may be developed through concerted group efforts. Members of the association enjoy state-wide communication, continuing education opportunities, and help and advice on the development of leadership skills.

Upcoming WISCA events include the annual WISCA Forum complete with a vendor fair on June 12. Craig Jeffries, executive director of the American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (AAASC) will be the keynote speaker. Jefferies will update attendees on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule. Other topics at the meeting will include a clinical focus on the current methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) issues within ASCs, and a billing and coding seminar specific to Wisconsin ASCs.

On November 13, a speaker on human resources (HR) issues is planned.

WISCA members continue to work closely together to develop and advocate positions on legislative and regulatory issues. According to WISCA president Kim Jungwirth, RN, BSN, WISCA is currently researching and active in several varying issues throughout the state. “One is a state-proposed bill on taxation of hospitals and its possible impact on ASCs. Pay-for-performance or quality reporting is being addressed loosely at the state level, and a new worker’s compensation plan is being worked on,” she says.

The organization’s biggest challenge is growing its membership, according to Jungwirth.

“One thing that has been very helpful in building the association was the assistance and advice received from national ASC groups,” she shares. “These groups do have mechanisms in place for state associations.”

Also, she adds, WISCA members have been extremely responsive to the list-serve the association offers its members as a mechanism for communication and networking.

For more information on WISCA, contact Tina Lowery, WISCA executive director, at Tinal@Wismed.org or log on to the WISCA Web site at www.wisc-asc.org/index.html . 

Have some news from your state association? We want to hear from you! Send your news to Jennifer Schraag at jschraag@vpico.com for possible publication in an upcoming issue of today’s surgicenter magazine.