Associate, Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Specialist
 Cathleen Strauss brings over 20 years of healthcare experience to medical practice clients, from direct care in telemetry and urgent care settings to Clinical Director at an ASC. As surgical services manager for an ambulatory surgery center, she oversaw RNs and other center staff, providing specialty-specific training as well as overall resource management. Additionally, Ms. Strauss handled the ASC’s Quality Assurance program, including medical chart review and surgical coding, during which time the practice’s reimbursements increased. A strong advocate for quality patient care, she worked with the physicians to determine pre and post-operative care protocols, as well as revamped the surgery schedule for a more efficient patient flow that saved time for all involved.
Most recently, Ms. Strauss worked with a physician-owner to launch an Ophthalmic ASC, coordinating the project between the owner, consultants, architects and contractors. She also managed project details such as budget oversight for equipment and supply acquisition, saving thousands of dollars in surgical equipment costs through negotiations. Additionally, Ms. Strauss handled staff recruitment, training and credentialing. She instructed Ophthalmic surgical scrub techs in instrument care, infection control, and sterilization guidelines, and assured all ASC staff had a solid understanding of Ophthalmology.
During development and implementation of the surgical practice’s policies and procedures, Ms. Strauss worked closely with the Department of Health and Medicare. Her efforts, which followed current accreditation guidelines, helped the ASC achieve Medicare Certification, as well as Accreditation, in 2009.
Ms. Strauss is committed to continuing education both as a Registered Nurse and as a Healthcare Administrator. In addition to holding a BSN, she maintains certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and is a 10-plus year instructor in Basic Life Support. |
