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ASC Turnarounds: Ideas to Improve Performance 5 Key ASC Specialties & Capabilities to Add in 2014 (continued from page 1) 50 percent would be suitable for an ASC from a clinical perspective," says Luke Lambert, CEO of Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America. "These procedures represent new sources of revenue that are relatively untapped." With the continued progression of minimally invasive techniques, many spine procedures are decreasing in time needed and patients are recovering quickly. There are a number of spine procedures, such as single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and foraminotomy, which are now generally accepted as safe in the outpatient setting. For the right ASC environment, properly trained staff and highly motivated surgeons, spine surgery opens the door to a significant opportunity. Acknowledgement of potential challenges weighed against potential gains allows surgery center leaders to determine whether or not spine is right for their center. To prepare for new specialties, administrators: • etermine what payers in a certain market will reimburse for each D new procedure; • valuate the price of new equipment to determine expected profits; E • hare these numbers with ASC leaders and spine surgeons; S • ecide whether spine surgery is a sound investment. D 11 Payer communication can make or break the success of a new specialty at a surgery center. "There needs to be relentless communication with payers," says Mr. Carrera. ASC leaders need to research every aspect of the procedures they will be adding. What are all of the costs associated with the procedures? Depending on what market a surgery center is in, contract negotiation may involve a great deal of payer education. 2. Total joint replacements. Spine surgery is on the move to the outpatient setting, but this is not the only specialty traditionally relegated to the hospital realm that is becoming an opportunity for ASCs to seize. Total joint replacements are also making their way into ASCs, especially when surgery centers have 23-hour stays. "Long ago physicians pulled hernias and knee scopes from hospitals to ASCs. Commercial payers now interested in moving whatever they can to a lower cost environment," says Mr. Carrera. "ASCs are in the position to realize excellent margins on these higher acuity cases." Surgical Management Professionals has added 23-hour stay capabilities at three centers thus far and established a template for doing so. As with adding many new procedures and protocols at surgery centers, the process begins with the physicians. "You need the right physicians, physicians motivated by patient care and not dollars and cents," Michael Lipomi, president and CEO of Surgical Management Professionals. The right physicians will be involved in a facility that is willing to invest the time and money. Meridian Original half page spine print ad_Layout 1 9/9/13 1:45 PM Page 1 Spine is Making its Move to Outpatient... ARE YOU? Develop a Spine ASC with a Proven Partner Make YOUR Move with Us! Let's discuss a spine ASC partnership opportunity. • Control your surgical environment • Meet patients' expectations for minimally invasive spine surgery • Increase revenue Spine ASCs Acquisition Development Management www.meridiansurgicalpartners.com | 615-301-8142