Wisconsin Sen. Van Wanggaard Visits the Racine Digestive Health Center

Wisconsin Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) recently visited the Racine Digestive Health Center as part of the Association of Wisconsin Surgery Centers (WISCA) Capitol Connection program to connect WISCA members with their local state legislators to show them firsthand the benefits of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) model of care. The Racine Digestive Health Center is part of GI Associates, the largest gastrointestinal practice in Wisconsin.

Sen. Van Wanggaard (second from right) takes a few minutes to take a picture with Racine Digestive Health Center staff after his tour of the facility.

“We were thrilled to have Sen. Wanggaard at our Racine facility and appreciated the opportunity to showcase the value of patient care provided in Wisconsin surgery centers,” said Bob  Kwech, Executive Director at GI Associates and WISCA Legislative Chair. “Our team is committed to proving innovative, personalized care in the most cost effective means possible for our patients, and we were grateful for Sen. Wanggaard’s interest in the critical role surgery centers play in Wisconsin’s health care system.”

Wanggaard, who was first elected to the Wisconsin Senate in 2010, represents the 21st Senate District, which includes portions of Racine and Kenosha Counties. He serves as the Senate Majority Caucus Chair and is Chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

These ASC legislative visits set-up through the Capitol Connection program have a significant impact on lawmakers and truly helps WISCA members strengthen relationships with their legislators and educate them on the regulatory challenges ASCs face and the legislative solutions we need to increase access to affordable, quality care provided in the surgery center setting. It also allows policymakers to see how the ASC model of care has transformed the outpatient experience for patients, providing them with a more convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures at a lower cost and with a strong record of quality care and positive outcomes.

If you would like to host a legislative tour at your site, please contact the WISCA office at WISCA@badgerbay.co. We will work with you and your legislators to coordinate the meetings and will provide participating members with full support, including legislator bios, advocacy tips, issue briefings, and supporting documents.