Becker's ASC Review

June Issue of Becker's ASC Review

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15 ASC MANAGEMENT late summer or fall. Of course, this is all subjective. A good analogy that I have heard with relation to how healthcare workers are having to deal with this COVID-19 pandemic is like trying to change the tire on a bus that is driving down the road. I think that sums it up pretty accurately. Michelle Eilander, RN. Administrator of Ankeny (Iowa) Medical Park Surgery Center: We have always put safety first, for both patients and employees. So the new normal will continue to look at ways to keep safety our No. 1 priority. Flexibility is key in this ever-changing environment and we will change processes and protocols as needed to ensure the safety of everyone. I truly believe that people will feel more comfortable coming to an ASC over a hospital and we will see an increase in cases going forward. Catherine Retzbach, RN, BSN. Administrator of Memorial Ambula- tory Surgery Center (Mount Holly, N.J.): Hopefully the new normal will be an increase in cases in the outpatient setting since it is a more cost effective and safe environment. e hospitals will still be dealing with viruses for an extended period of time so the ASCs will offer an alternative site to perform cases. Tracey Tylicki, RN, BSN. Administrator of Carolina Coast Surgery Center (Murrells Inlet, S.C.): I believe the value of elective surgeries in an ASC will be at the forefront as patients become more concerned about infection control practices. We are seeing that now where patients are asking for their cases at the ASC versus gong to a hospital. at is wonderful news for the ASC environment as we have always shown that ASCs provide quality care with lower infection rates as well as excellent customer service while simultaneously reducing costs. John Lewis. CEO of Semmes Murphey Clinic (Memphis, Tenn.): Although we have experienced some real challenges these last few weeks, I thinks it's important to look for positives in situations like these. Everything we've learned during this time is so valuable and will impact our new normal. is event has pushed us to grow even more responsive, innovative and resourceful so that we can continue to provide medical care when and where it's needed. Patricia Frendak, RN, BSN. Administrative Director of New Britain Surgery Center: e new normal will include additional screening for patients, allowing more time between cases, additional costs for additional layers of PPE for the staff. Debra Hagendorn. Administrator of East Hills Surgery Center (Greenvale, N.Y.): I'm not sure yet. Patients will be hesitant to go to hospitals for elective procedures because the fear of COVID-19 will be present for quite a while. ASCs can provide the high quality care for these patients. Due to PPE use by staff, surgeons, etc., it will be very important for patients to still feel a personal touch as part of their surgical experience. Issues will evolve as we move forward that will determine what our new normal will be like. Todd Currier. Administrator of Northern Wyoming Surgical Center (Cody): I foresee we continue to closely monitor our patient population, require additional PPE supplies on hand throughout the remainder of this year, we prepare for a possible resurgence in the fall, and we also maintain a higher cash position to withstand possible future issues. Barbara Smith. Administrator of Multi-Specialty Surgery Center (Va.): All of my staff will be tested for the virus, (standard of this community). ey will have their temperature taken every morning. We will initially limit the number of family who can accompany the patient to one person. We will try to not have children in the waiting room. We only do ages 18 and above. I may regularly have our recep- tion area, Pre-Op/PACU area terminally cleaned. n Maine health system plans $14.2M ASC: 4 details By Laura Dyrda A health system in Maine is planning to construct a multimillion-dollar ASC focused on ortho- pedics but will also include other outpatient specialties, according to the Bangor Daily News. Four things to know: 1. Central Maine Healthcare in Lewiston is seek- ing state approval for a $14.2 million ASC. The 20,000-square-foot facility would be located in Top- sham. 2. If approved by the state, the health system hopes to have the ASC up and running by 2021. It would hire 16 individuals to staff the center where the health system's physicians could perform cases. 3. The ASC could be a "strong new revenue stream" for the health system, according to the report. Central Maine Healthcare furloughed around 10 percent of its 3,200 employees last month due to the pandemic. 4. Central Maine Healthcare's CEO Jeff Brickman told BDN that the health system's outpatient surgeries are projected to increase 11 percent in the next two years, and he expects the ASC to be profitable "within sev- eral years" without taking income away from the main hospital's surgical services. n New York ASC nurse awarded for 'dedication, skill and tireless commitment' By Angie Stewart A pex Surgical Center's Mary Beth Cappelli, RN, was recognized by New York State Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, for excellence in nursing, the Observer-Dispatch reports. Ms. Cappelli was one of 35 individuals in the 119th Assembly District to receive Ms. Buttenschon's 2020 Nursing Recognition Awards. "The ongoing [COVID-19] public health crisis gripping this country has only reaffirmed how invaluable nurses are to our communities," Ms. Buttenschon said. "Every day, they put their health at risk to protect us, and these awards are a way to recognize and honor them for their dedication, skill and tireless commitment." Apex Surgical Center is a physician-owned facility in Westmoreland, N.Y., that opened in 2015 for primarily or- thopedic surgeries, according to CNYhomepage.com. n

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