Becker's ASC Review

30 HEALTHCARE NEWS 30 A health system ambulatory boom is coming By Laura Dyrda Ambulatory care has been on the agenda for decades, but today it has become a strategic imperative for health system C-suites. Rising costs, value-based payment models, and shiing patient expectations have pushed ambulatory growth from a "nice to have" into the center of the C-suite playbook. Executives increasingly view surgery centers, primary care networks, urgent care, and virtual services not just as convenient extensions of the hospital, but as essential levers for financial sustainability, market relevance, and patient loyalty. Health systems can no longer rely on inpatient services alone — future growth depends on delivering care across the continuum, closer to home and aligned with prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management. Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth exemplifies this shi, with President and CEO David Banks outlining a strategy that strengthens care across the full continuum and deepens the system's ambulatory presence. "At AdventHealth, our growth strategy is focused on strengthening how we care for people across the full continuum, not just in acute care but also through wellness, prevention and other key points in a person's health journey," said Mr. Banks. "We're deepening our presence in both established and expanding markets by investing in ambulatory care offerings through our primary health division, which includes primary care, home health, virtual care and hospice." AdventHealth is strengthening partnerships to expand its brand regionally and support more connected care. In 2022, the health system partnered with United Surgical Partners International to open a new surgery center in Orlando and in July, the 90-physician Bond Clinic joined AdventHealth, adding multiple care sites. "Ultimately, this growth serves as an enabler of our brand promise to help people feel whole," said Mr. Banks. ere are many reasons health systems are rapidly adding ambulatory care sites. e care closer to home is more convenient for patients and allows them to see physicians without stepping into the hospital. ASCs are also lower cost settings for care and typically higher quality since they serve otherwise healthy patients and the surgical teams are focused on performing high volumes of the same procedures. Phoenix-based Banner Health is investing in the large outpatient Banner Health Care Plus facilities in three states as a significant growth vehicle. "We are growing our health plans and networks to create more affordable care and make significant investments in wellness," said Amy Perry, president and CEO of Banner Health. "To this end, we have expanded our primary care footprint focusing on physicians who enjoy a value-based care approach." e health system acquired the Village MD's team in Northern Colorado earlier this year, adding 46 providers, seven primary care clinics and two walk-in locations. e primary care expansion is essential to developing more value-based care options. Cincinnati-based TriHealth is investing in 13 existing ambulatory care centers and developing a 14th facility over the next year for more convenient access to comprehensive primary and specialty care, lab and imaging services. "Our mission is to deliver the right care in the right places in the right way to achieve the right clinical outcomes at the right cost," said Mark Clement, president and CEO of TriHealth. "We have learned that increasingly the 'right care in the right place' is preventative care, early detection and better management of chronic conditions, all provided in the more accessible, convenient and affordable ambulatory setting close to home." In New Orleans, Ochsner Health is focused on adding specialty and ambulatory care services. Pete November, CEO of Ochsner, said the system will strengthen its centers of excellence over the next year including orthopedics, primary care, neuroscience, transplant and cancer care. "We also see significant potential in the growth of outpatient and ambulatory care, enabling us to deliver high quality, convenient care closer to where our patients live and work," said Mr. November. "ese efforts are all part of our commitment to innovation and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve." But the ambulatory strategy isn't just adding clinics and ASCs. It's also about expanding virtual care, telehealth and remote monitoring. Ethan Chernin, president of health services at Nashville, Tenn.-based Ardent Health, said the system sees these services as essential to the future. "We are investing in urgent care clinics, hybrid clinics and ambulatory surgery centers to bring care closer to home, while also advancing virtual capabilities such as inpatient specialist visits and virtual nursing to provide timely, convenient care across our communities," said Mr. Chernin. "Alongside expanding access in the markets we currently serve, we continue to explore opportunities to bring value to new communities." n Costco to sell Wegovy, Ozempic By Paige Twenter C ostco and Novo Nordisk are teaming up to sell a month's supply of Ozempic or Wegovy for $499 — a sharp discount for the two GLP-1 medications. In an Oct. 3 post on X, Novo Nordisk announced the collaboration, which will offer the discounts to self- paying Costco members. Novo Nordisk also offers a $499 four-week supply of Ozempic and Wegovy through GoodRx and its direct-to- consumer platform. Ozempic's list price is about $1,000 per month and Wegovy's is $1,350 for a month's supply. The big-box retailer, which operates more than 800 stores worldwide, has steadily entered the healthcare industry. In September 2023, Costco created a members- only deal for $29 virtual primary care visits. In 2024, the company launched a specialized weight loss program, which offers three months of clinical consultation and a personalized treatment program for $179. n

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