“Train-In” to Washington, DC sponsored by New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, slated for June 19-20

 Members to participate in outreach effort with colleagues from AZ, CA, MA, OH, OK

PARSIPPANY, NJ (May 29, 2012) – Members of the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC) will soon be rolling southward, in support of patients across the state.

On June 19-20, more than a dozen members of the non-profit association will participate in a “Train-In” to Washington, DC to have their voices heard by national policy makers on various key issues related to New Jersey’s ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry. During their two days in Washington, participating members will be on Capitol Hill, engaged in a series of scheduled meetings with legislators and their staffers.

“It’s crucial that we have an opportunity to share our opinions and expertise, for the benefit of patients and the entire ASC sector,” says Jeffrey Shanton, chair of the NJAASC advocacy and legislative affairs committee. “As members of NJAASC, this is our opportunity to be heard … and to learn a bit as well.”

ASC professionals from Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Oklahoma will also be in Washington during the two-day effort, meeting with their respective representatives.

This year’s trip will mark the second consecutive year NJAASC will participate in the “Train-In” event. On September 14, 2011, members traveled to Washington to gather with members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation.

About the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

An incorporated, non-profit organization, the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC) was established in 1992 by owners of various independent ambulatory surgery centers. The NJAASC has a goal of promoting and advancing the efforts of the state’s ambulatory surgery centers in the delivery of optimized, cost-effective patient care.

#  #  #

Mark your calendars

The next NJSIAA general membership session will be June 28, from 3:30 – 7 p.m., @ the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin. Special guest speaker will be K. Kobylowski, acting commissioner, NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance.

New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers launches new Web site

Allows users to more easily interact, locate content

PARSIPPANY, NJ (May 4, 2012) – A completely revamped Web site — featuring a broader content base, more efficient operation, and a decidedly user-friendly format — was debuted today by the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC).

The expanded level of content will enable membership and other online visitors to take an even closer look at the many services offered by the NJAASC, while an innovative search function will assist those who wish to quickly located a nearby center. In addition, a “News & Events” section will provide ongoing updates on the association’s activities within the industry and in local communities.

The NJAASC was founded 20 years ago, and the upgraded Web site also features the association’s special, anniversary logo.

“We’re delighted to expand our Web presence, which will create a more vibrant online dialogue that should be a boon to all our member centers,” explains Larry Trenk, NJAASC president. “The powerful interactive features on the new site will enable the public to connect directly with member centers, and also make it easier for association members to connect with each other.”

Specific highlights of the new site include:

• Enhanced calendar of upcoming meetings
• Expanded sponsors page
• Capacity to join association online and also, via PayPal, pay dues
• Expanded “Members Only” section, including with blog feature, shared forms, and info from past meetings

The new Web site – accessible at www.njaasc.org  – is the latest development in the NJAASC’s recent Web advancement initiative, which also includes hosting social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress. In all platforms, users can explore the latest developments and services from the NJAASC, while sharing information on key conferences and local meetings.

About NJAASC

The NJAASC is an incorporated, non-profit organization founded in 1992 by owners of ambulatory surgery centers. Its mission is to promote and advance the efforts of New Jersey’s ambulatory surgery centers in the delivery of optimum patient care in a cost-effective manner. Meetings are attended by owners, administrators, billers and coders, physicians, nursing staff and others with an interest in ambulatory surgery. The activities of the NJAASC are managed by a board of directors elected by membership.

# # #

Acting Commissioner Kobylowski Cautions Consumers on How to Avoid Auto Insurance Fraud

Acting Commissioner Kobylowski Cautions Consumers on How to Avoid Auto Insurance Fraud

New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers to host second annual conference in October

Following successful 2011 session, NJAASC plans larger, more comprehensive event

PARSIPPANY, NJ (March 27, 2012) – The New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (www.njaasc.org) will host its second annual Ambulatory Surgery Conference this October. This conference will offer a variety of educational break-out sessions focusing on a broad range of topics relevant to NJAASC members.

“Following the impressive attendance and positive feedback from our 2011 event, we wanted to ensure this second conference goes even further in terms of exceeding the expectations of our members,” says Larry Trenk, president of the NJAASC.  “Conferences like these add significant value to association membership and are a great place to meet and network with professional colleagues.”

The second annual conference — which will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m. — will be held on October 26 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. The keynote speaker will be Steven Harden, chairman and CEO of Lifewings Partners, an industry leader in utilizing aviation safety, team building, leadership, and human factor tools to reduce medical errors. Additional speakers, including a special guest speaker, will be announced.

About the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

The NJAASC (www.njaasc.org) is an incorporated, non-profit organization founded in 1992 by owners of ambulatory surgery centers. Its mission is promoting and advancing the efforts of New Jersey’s ambulatory surgery centers in the delivery of optimum patient care in a cost-effective manner.

Meetings are attended by owners, administrators, billers and coders, physicians, nursing staff and others with an interest in ambulatory surgery. The association’s activities are managed by a board of directors elected by membership.

# # #

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Regular screenings recommended for those age 50 and older

Observed by New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

PARSIPPANY, NJ (March 7, 2012) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – a four-week period dedicated to increasing public recognition of a disease that the Colon Cancer Alliance projects will claim the lives of more than 50,000 Americans during 2012. For its part, the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC) – which has many member centers that conduct screenings and focus on general gastrointestinal issues – is actively promoting colon cancer awareness.

On a state level, based on information supplied by the national Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, 64 percent of all lesion-removal colonoscopies that take place in New Jersey are performed in ambulatory surgery centers.

“Colon cancer is a rising health issue impacting both men and women,” says NJAASC President Larry Trenk. “It’s vital that individuals in higher risk groups be screened for the disease, and many of our member centers across the state offer the potentially life-saving test.”

According to an independent study recently released by the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, colon screenings may reduce colorectal cancer mortality by as much as 53 percent. Colonoscopies are among the most effective tools for the detection and diagnosis of colon cancer, and these procedures are frequently performed in ambulatory surgery centers.

Particularly for those age 50 and older, regular screenings are a powerful predictor of long-term health. These tests can detect pre-cancerous polyps in their early stages, before they become malignant, and when they’re most easily treated.

Along with providing colon cancer screening tests, many ambulatory surgery centers can be excellent information sources related to preparedness, prevention, and risk factors.

About NJSAAC

The NJAASC is an incorporated, non-profit organization founded in 1992 by owners of ambulatory surgery centers. Its mission is to promote and advance the efforts of New Jersey’s ambulatory surgery centers in the delivery of optimum patient care in a cost-effective manner. Meetings are attended by owners, administrators, billers and coders, physicians, nursing staff and others with an interest in ambulatory surgery. The activities of the NJAASC are managed by a board of directors elected by membership.

# # #

Tackling PIP Fraud

The recent quarterly membership meeting of the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC), held in Iselin, featured a keynote address by Joseph Brennan, assistant commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance’s Bureau of Fraud and Defense. Brennan spoke on the topic of PIP (Personal Injury Protection) fraud, which involves the faking of a vehicular accident and resultant injuries (which may, of course, be treated in an ambulatory surgery center). Since PIP fraud leads to insurance companies paying PIP benefits to perpetrators, this criminal practice is causing insurance rates to rise, thus forcing New Jersey residents to spend more for car insurance.

 About the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

An incorporated, non-profit organization, the New Jersey Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (NJAASC) was established in 1992 by owners of various independent ambulatory surgery centers. The NJAASC has a goal of promoting and advancing the efforts of the state’s ambulatory surgery centers in the delivery of optimized, cost-effective patient care.

#  #  #