Becker's ASC Review

16 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING 1 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING Filling the gap: How Staten Island's fi rst multispecialty ASC is expanding access to-outpatient care To learn more about Empire, scan here On the South Shore of Staten Island, New York sits a fi rst-of- its-kind multi-specialty ASC that serves a population of more than half a million people. Empire Center for Special Surgery offers services ranging from orthopaedics to gynecology, urology, pain management and more. To learn more about what makes them unique and their perspective on why strong partnerships are the key to success, Becker's Healthcare recently spoke with Gabriel Figueroa, COO of Empire and George Kofi nas, MD, chairman of the board, GYN surgeon. Closing the access gap Before Empire opened its doors, there wasn't a single ambulatory surgery center on Staten Island. Patients were limited to one of two acute hospitals for care, or they had to travel off the island. Since Empire is equipped as a multi-specialty ASC, the Staten Island community now has access to much needed medical services. The environment at Empire delivers a personal and private patient experience. Everything from the locker rooms to the changing rooms and pre-operative bays is designed to maintain patient privacy and give people the most comfortable environment possible. The operating rooms include the latest technology and other tools that surgeons need to provide the high-quality care patients deserve. Dr. Kofi nas explained that Empire's mission is to increase patient access to treatment, so patients don't have to leave Staten Island for surgery. "The center is right here in their back yard, and I'm sure they will utilize it to the max," he said. The right partner matters Building a de novo ASC is a complex project that presents numerous challenges. According to Gabriel Figueroa, it's essential for leaders and teams to surround themselves with people who have experience and knowledge and will help them make the best decisions possible. "A de novo project like this is a massive undertaking from both a time and fi nancial perspective," Gabriel Figueroa said. "Surround yourself with the best people you can fi nd to enable you to make the best decisions you can. If you don't, it could end up costing you much more time and money." Stryker's ASC Regional Manager streamlined the experience for Gabriel Figueroa, communicating across Stryker's different divisions and quarterbacking the entire process. "Stryker was able to offer guidance on best practices, from design of the operating rooms, equipment installation and streamlined procurement," Gabriel Figueroa said. "This was a force multiplier and enabled us to drive effective decision making faster than doing it on our own." The Stryker ASC Regional Manager also assisted with the fi nancial aspect of the ASC venture, connecting the Empire team to the Flex Financial program. As the project progressed, Stryker offered equipment training and support. To this day, Stryker continues to play a central role in ensuring that Empire understands the equipment's functionality and how to use it to its maximum potential. "The most important thing is the support we have received from Stryker every step of the way — support during the construction and purchase of the equipment, during the installation process and post installation," Dr. Kofi nas said. Once Empire Center for Special Surgery opened, Stryker's ASC marketing team helped build brand awareness in the local community through a co-marketing program that included co-branded digital, print and bus stop ads, and by supporting Empire's grand opening and ribbon- cutting ceremony. Gabriel Figueroa recommends ASCs partner with companies that are committed to their long-term success. "If I had to use one word to describe my experience with Stryker, it would be 'comprehensive," Gabriel Figueroa said. "As you ramp up and volume increases, having the support of the entire Stryker team from the reps on the ground to the ASC marketing team has made all the difference in our partnership."

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