Episode 281 - Surgery Partners Rejects Buyout, Recruitment Challenges, Chasing Volume, and an Interview with Terry Bohlke - June 30, 2026

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we cover the latest ASC industry news — Surgery Partners rejecting a $3.2 billion buyout from Bain Capital to stay independent, new VMG Health data on surgeon recruitment and the shift in anesthesia staffing, and a leadership piece on why “chasing volume” can be a surge to the bottom. We also share recent experiences from the field on board certification versus medical-staff bylaws, what surveyors are focusing on right now, and how preparation paid off during a real emergency. Then, in our focus segment, John sits down with Terry Bohlke for an interview on “Leadership in the Trenches.” This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: Surgery Partners rejects Bain Capital buyout — Becker’s ASC (June 2026) North Star Health Alliance to close its Watertown ASC & orthopedic group — Becker’s ASC: beckersasc.com beckersasc.com Biggest physician risks facing ASCs in 2026 (VMG Health survey) — Becker’s ASC  |  Anesthesia staffing models — Becker’s ASC   |   Chasing volume is a “surge to the bottom” — Becker’s ASC beckersasc.com/asc-news Guest: Terry Bohlke — “Leadership in the Trenches” INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, on-demand conferences, and membership programs: conferences.asc-central.com Patron Membership — our base membership for podcast listeners: regular group Zoom sessions, a full resource database to help run your ASC, and several free conferences (Conditions for Coverage, Medical Director, Credentialing, and Finance & Accounting). Become a Patron Member Premium Access Program — includes Patron membership PLUS unlimited Bootcamps (Administrator and Director of Nursing, normally $1,899.99 each), our Credentialing, Conditions for Coverage, Medical Director and Infection Control programs, weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, and up to five hours of private consulting. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: conferences.asc-central.com/membership-programs-2   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers