Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1532645
11 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP for significant growth by capitalizing on value-based care models and embracing technology integration to improve access, optimize outcomes, and enhance patient satisfaction. Here's how I envision this evolution: 1. Expansion of high-acuity procedures in ASCs Advancements in surgical technology, anesthesia and post-operative care enable ASCs to handle more complex, high- acuity procedures that were once limited to inpatient settings. Specialties such as orthopedics, spine, cardiovascular and hybrid procedures are increasingly feasible in ASCs. is transition reduces costs and improves patient convenience and patient outcomes, positioning ASCs as the preferred choice for providers and payers. 2. Strengthened collaboration with payers Payers increasingly incentivize care delivery in cost-effective, high-quality settings like ASCs under value-based care models. is presents opportunities for ASCs to align with payers by bundling payments, engaging in shared savings agreements and demonstrating measurable outcomes that exceed hospital benchmarks. 3. Integration of technology and data analytics Technology is revolutionizing care delivery in ASCs. By implementing advanced EHR systems, AI-driven decision-making tools, and robust data analytics, ASCs can improve efficiency, personalize care, and optimize case management. Facilities that effectively leverage technology to demonstrate superior outcomes and operational efficiency will remain competitive and highly attractive to patients and payers. Additionally, robotics and minimally invasive surgery are playing an increasingly critical role. Robotic-assisted procedures and minimally invasive techniques reduce recovery times, enhance precision, and lower complication rates. ese advancements improve patient satisfaction and reduce overall costs by minimizing hospital stays. 4. Diversification of service lines Expanding beyond traditional surgical specialties into pain management, wellness services and ancillary offerings like imaging and physical therapy enables ASCs to tap into additional revenue streams. is diversification creates a more comprehensive care ecosystem, enhances profitability, and deepens patient loyalty by addressing multiple healthcare needs in one cost- effective setting. 5. Addressing workforce challenges through innovation e ASC industry's growth will depend on solving workforce shortages by fostering clinician engagement, offering flexible care models and maximizing the utilization of advanced practice providers. By cultivating a workplace culture prioritizing provider quality of life, ASCs can attract and retain top talent, ensuring scalability and consistent growth. 6. Growth through regional and national ASC networks Consolidation and strategic partnerships are helping ASCs achieve economies of scale, negotiate better-payer contracts and standardize care delivery. e formation of regional and national ASC networks strengthens the industry's position in value- based care arrangements, expands access to underserved communities and creates sustainable growth opportunities. Chetan Puranik, MD. Interventional Pain Management La Porte (Ind.) Clinic. Generally speaking, the industry continues to trend aggressively towards outpatient procedural services. So, the short answer is to build pathways to capture that additional outpatient load. Specific to the field of pain management, there are a number of procedures that are ancillary to the traditional core pain management offerings that serve to produce more comprehensive results for our patients. Two examples from my own business would be (1) vein ablations for lower extremity pain due to vascular insufficiency and (2) genicular artery embolization for knee pain refractory to steroid and viscose injections. Incorporating such additional services will lead to both better clinical outcomes for the patient and greater profitability for the facility. Johnny Russell. Director of Area Operations at Sutter Health (Sacramento, Calif.): Over the next five years, we will see growth in the spine service line and general surgery, which performs gastric sleeves. We have started this and are seeing excellent results. As more ASCs start performing these types of services, we will see this transition from overnight stays in the hospital to same- day services that are more affordable for patients. Cardiac and vascular procedures have endless potential in the ASC space. A major challenge is deciding how to incorporate cardiovascular procedures into existing ASCs versus creating de novo single specialty facilities. Maintaining patient safety and optimal outcomes in this space necessitates the development of specific cardiovascular standards for ASCs with participation in reliable registries and dashboards. Amanda Ryan, DO. Physician Chief Executive Officer at Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico (Carlsbad): Cardiac and vascular procedures have endless potential in the ASC space. A major challenge is deciding how to incorporate cardiovascular procedures into existing ASCs versus creating de novo single specialty facilities. Maintaining patient safety and optimal outcomes in this space necessitates the development of specific cardiovascular standards for ASCs with participation in reliable registries and dashboards. Sap Sinha. Chief Operating Officer of Allied Digestive Health (West Long Branch, N.J.): If there is site service neutralization in payments from CMS i.e., facility payments are same irrespective of hospitals and ASCs, there will be no incentive for certain cases that are still being done in the hospital and will lead to moving more cases to ASCs. Kayla Schneeweiss-Keene, RN. ASC Administrator at the Mann Eye Institute (Houston): e greatest opportunity for growth in the ASC industry lies in expanding specialty services such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, gastroenterology and pain management, among others. With the Baby Boomer population reaching its peak age in the next five years, demand for these procedures is expected to surge. Additionally, the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities will further drive the need for ASCs to provide efficient, high-quality care for these patients. Gina Taylor. Quality and Accreditation Program Manager at Harris Health (Bellaire, Texas): e biggest opportunity for growth in the next five years is multifactorial. ASCs will continue to see a shi towards performing more complex procedures in their facilities, rather than in hospitals. is shi is facilitated by advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia and post- operative recovery protocols. Our patient population will also contribute to the continued positive growth of ASCs. Patients are increasingly seeking high-quality care with shorter wait times, personalized services and greater convenience. Additionally, we are observing a trend of consolidation within the ASC sector through mergers with larger healthcare organizations and private equity firms. ese mergers enable ASCs to pool