Becker's Spine Review

17 ASC Why new ASCs could fall short By Paige Haeffele Investing in ASCs presents healthcare professionals with opportunities that may not be available to players in other markets. A February survey of health system executives by VMG Health found that 60% of leaders would consider pursuing outpatient surgery joint ventures in 2024 — the highest area of interest of any potential specialty partnerships. However, this does not mean that success is guaranteed. Here are some common mistakes made by groups attempting to enter the ASC market for the first time, and how to potentially avoid them: Not finding the proper balance between cost-saving and care quality According to Shakeel Ahmed, MD, CEO of Atlas Surgical Group in St. Louis, finding the proper way to cut costs without sacrificing quality is paramount to success. "One effective strategy is to focus on specialties that are associated with lower surgical expenses, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources," Dr. Ahmed told Becker's. "is approach not only enhances financial efficiency but also positions your business competitively within the market." Dr. Ahmed explains that there are some areas in which budgets should ideally not be constrained too much. "Staffing is one area where compromises can have significant negative impacts on both patient outcomes and business reputation," he said. "Prioritizing both cost management in service offerings and excellence in staffing is key to a robust and thriving operation." Not differentiating your ASC from other facilities Jay Mackey, CEO of Occu-Health Surgery Center in Houston, told Becker's that finding what makes any ASC unique is pivotal. "Determine how you can compete or collaborate with large physician groups who could drive volume to your center, or support your volume if you're bringing the cases," Mr. Mackey said. "What does that look like from an incentivization perspective, and is it practical for you and your partners?" Not being open to expanding service lines Not being open to adding more specialized service lines can hold any ASC back, according to Kristin McCann, MSN, RN, the ASC testing nurse manager at United Health Service Hospitals in Binghamton, N.Y. "Here at United Health Service Hospitals, we recently introduced cardiac services to the ASC," Ms. McCann told Becker's. "We increased access to care for our patients needing cardioversions, loop implants/ explants and coming soon, generator changes. Adding this service to our ASC has allowed increased access to care for our patients while giving the nurses the ability to utilize their skills to sedate the patients for their procedure." n Jessica Rodriguez, executive director at Grand Rapids, Mich.-based OAM Surgery Center, also invested in training programs. "We are expanding our professional development and education programs, which include more on-the-job training sessions, continuous education opportunities and specified career paths for several roles within the organization," she said. "By equipping our employees with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, thereby increasing their value to the company and their career satisfaction." 5. Employee well-being Some ASCs are investing in resources that boost employee well-being. Johnny Russell, director of area operations at Sacramento, Calif.- based Sutter Health, told Becker's his team is offering flexible work schedules, including part-time or reduced hours. "When staff feel valued, we see improved employee satisfaction, greater stability in employee tenure and a positive impact on patient care," he said. Ms. Rodriguez is also invested in wellness programs. "We continue to enhance our employee wellness programs," she told Becker's. "is initiative includes comprehensive health and wellness plans, mental health support and work-life balance initiatives such as flexible working hours and remote work options when possible. Recognizing the critical link between well-being and productivity, we aim to create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally." n Is ASC pay trending up or down? By Claire Wallace Physician pay is trending up in eight common ASC specialties this year, while it is trending down in three others, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report." Here is how physician pay is trending in 11 common ASC specialties from 2023 to 2024: Dermatology: +8% Ophthalmology: +6% Anesthesiology: +5% OB-GYN: +4% Cardiology: +3% General surgery: +3% Gastroenterology: +2% Urology: +2% Orthopedics: -3% Otolaryngology: -5% Plastic surgery: -13% n

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