Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/759093
14 ASC MANAGEMENT It's getting harder and harder for your ASC to keep up. If you're ready to enjoy higher profits while concentrating on what you do best, call us today. And be fast on your feet in a changing industry. Increased Profitability | Superior Operations | Quality Patient Care (866) 982-7262 / www.ascoa.com / development@ascoa.com Operate Better Is your ASC falling behind? Department of Public Health Threatens Independent ASC Survival With DON Regulatory Change Proposal By Mary Rechtoris T he Massachusetts Department of Public Health has proposed regulatory changes that may result in eliminating independent ambulatory surgery centers over time. e proposal would change the state's determination of need regulation in which surgery centers would be mandated to apply for a DON and be affiliated with an acute-care hospital to make basic center changes. As the regulation currently stands, a proposed project is defined as: • Any capital expenditure • Substantial change in service • An original license • Transfer of ownership • DON-required service • Equipment • Any combination of these listings e comment period for the regulation closed on Oct. 7 and Greg DeConciliis, president of Massachusetts Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, says the association is hopeful the Department of Public Health will work with MAASC. "Our hope in this process is to have hospitals and ASCs on a level play- ing field," Mr. DeConciliis says. "Based on the overwhelming support ASCs have had, we hope the Department of Public Health will be will- ing to reach some sort of compromise." The Department of Public Health conducted hearings on the DON, which may serve to the detriment of surgery centers if a compro- mise is not reached and it comes to fruition as it currently stands. "e Massachusetts Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers does applaud the proposal liing restrictions that prohibit freestanding ASCs from forming and developing in Massachusetts," says Linda Rahm, member and former president of MAASC. "e issue we have is that centers will be restricted in growth unless they bring in a hos- pital partner." As healthcare transitions to value-based care, ASCs may be the opti- mal vehicle to achieving healthcare's triple aim — bolstering patient satisfaction and outcomes while truncating costs. A Healthcare Blue- book and HealthSmart analysis found ASCs can reduce outpatient surgery's cost by more than $38 billion annually compared to hospital