Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/239362
Operational Efficiency 11 his staff look at vendor contracts each week, examining prices and even trying out different brands to find the best deal. As surgery center leaders wade through a sea of different products and associated contracts, it becomes apparent that a narrowed focus could lend a hand in supply control. Though complete standardization of supplies may not be possible, talk to physicians about their case costs and offer alternatives to the items that are driving the cost up. 10. Maximization of staff time and involvement. Turnover time, physician level of comfort and quality of patient care are direct staff responsibilities. Everyone has to contribute. "Cross train your staff so they don't fall into one particular role," says Mr. Feldman. If each person can fill multiple roles, the chances of downtime or an unaccomplished goal are diminished. Since an ASC's staff is such a powerful asset, leaders should make an effort to involve each member in the center's operations. "If the teams understand these simple wants and needs of the customers, it helps give them direction and sets the expectations of the center as a whole," says Ms. White. 11. New technology. Technology is rapidly evolving and healthcare is racing to keep up. "This is one of the last industries that has not embraced technology, to our detriment," says Ms. Eiler. "We need to do a better job." From electronic medical records to online patient satisfaction surveys, technology represents an opportunity ripe for the picking. "Adding a new technology to increase volume is a good option however, it requires diligence in researching costs, reimbursement and interest and support from the physicians before taking the leap," says Ms. White. "Keeping an open line of communication with physicians to check on their needs and promote a positive relationship builds engagement and satisfaction." UPMC Hamot Surgery Center has adopted an online payment portal. Ms. Eiler and her team screened a number of vendors, selected the system that fit their center and within two weeks the system was operational. As surgery centers take on new technology and learn to integrate it into daily activity, the window of opportunity will widen. "Imagine the opportunity for efficiency and all of the data that we will have access to," says Ms. Eiler. 12. PPACA. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, though a source of contention, does represent a chance for increased patient volume and revenue at ASCs. As more people obtain health insurance, the patient pool is going to grow. The state exchanges mandated by the PPACA will also impact ASCs, the effect of which is yet to be fully realized. "We haven't been approached yet by most of the plans participating in the New York state exchange, but it will be interesting to see how many eventually will approach us to be a participating facility," says Mr. Feldman. "We are waiting on the sidelines to see how it all pans out." n AnticipAte chAnge. We do. the ASc Revenue cycle. It's all we do. It's all we think about. And it shows. Named one of the world's best outsourcing service providers two years in a row. – Fortune Magazine 2013 2013 ® 636.273.6711 | www.nationalASCbilling.com