Becker's ASC Review

14 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Surgery centers, MSOs among biggest growth opportunities in orthopedics By Alan Condon D eveloping ASCs, launching management services organiza- tions and engaging in clinically integrated networks are some of the most lucrative investments for orthopedic practices to- day as outpatient migration continues and healthcare moves toward value-based care. Here's how five orthopedic practice leaders and ASC administrators are thinking about growth: Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for length and clarity. Earl Anderson. CEO of Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics (Knox- ville): Real estate, ASCs and [management services organization] development are top of mind for our investments and growth, but we cannot forget that people are going to require a higher level of invest- ment as well. Frank Aluisio, MD. Physician President of EmergeOrtho (Dur- ham, N.C.): I see us collaborating with other groups, not with full- on integration, but through strategic relationships, such as clinically integrated networks, to work together on large value-based projects. I also see us growing similar to Rothman, not so much by adding more groups to the "mothership," but by managing smaller groups through management services organizations where they can remain independent and not have to fully merge with us. We can help them with back-office functions and streamline other processes to keep their practices alive and independent. Alex Bateman. CEO of Resurgens Orthopaedics and United Mus- culoskeletal Partners (Atlanta): I think about this as a three-prong approach. At United Musculoskeletal Partners 1) partnership and capital 2) talent and technology to support growth, and 3) develop market-specific value-based care programs for their groups. For Resurgens Orthopaedics 1) new clinic expansions 2) new physician and [advanced practice provider] recruitment, and 3) expansion of ASC capabilities. Jessica Rodriguez. Administrator at OAM Surgery Center at Mid- towne (Grand Rapids, Mich.): e ASC industry is poised for huge amounts of growth over the next two years. If COVID did anything good, it is that patients and physicians both realized the advantages surgery in an ASC has over a hospital. Lori Tamburo Martini. Administrator at Specialty Orthopedic Group Surgery Center (Tupelo, Miss.): Our facility and practice are experiencing tremendous growth. Specialty Orthopedic Group is expanding clinic and ASC operations and adding multiple physi- cians. We are a subspecialized group, and physician recruitment is a top priority. We intend to remain independent during this time of growth. Our physicians strongly believe in investing in themselves. We will be breaking ground on a second surgery center, hopefully by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023, and that will allow us to better serve an expanded footprint in North Mississippi. n ASCs face reimbursement hurdles amid single-payer healthcare push By Patsy Newitt A SCs have long faced challenges in securing reim- bursements, but successful ASCs are focused on payer contracting strategy. Allison Stock, BSN, RN, administrator of Lenox Surgery Center in Lenox Township, Mich., joined Becker's to dis- cuss the biggest challenges facing ASCs. Editor's note: This interview was edited lightly for clarity and length. Question: What is the biggest obstacle you're facing in your day-to-day, and how are you addressing it? Allison Stock: Reimbursement is a huge issue that ASCs keep facing. As we see the push for single-payer health- care, it's getting harder and harder to negotiate good rates with insurance companies. It is extremely important to be aware of what your payer contracts are and if they are covering your costs of procedures in your ASC. The never- ending shortage of drugs and supplies is a huge problem that all ASCs are facing. It is taking creativity and collabora- tion to get through this difficult time. You must think out- side of the box to find alternatives to items that have be- come staples in your ASC. Having good relationships with your vendors and other ASCs and health systems in your area to share and acquire items is essential. Q: What is drawing patients to ASCs over hospitals right now? AS: Patients are becoming much more insurance savvy. Patients' deductibles keep climbing, and they are look- ing for the best low-cost care. I believe patients are seek- ing out ASCs over hospitals because they recognize the more personalized and efficient care that they receive in the ASC setting. When the pandemic hit, patients were afraid to go to the hospital because of fear of the virus. The pandemic helped push even more patients to the ASC space, and now they don't want to return to the hos- pital unless necessary. n

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