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24 ORTHOPEDICS The Next 5 Years for Spine Surgery in ASCs: Key Thoughts from Dr. Frank Phillips By Laura Dyrda F rank Phillips, MD, co-founder of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chi- cago, discusses the future of spine in ASCs and where the biggest opportunities for out- patient spine will be in the next five years. Question: How do you see spine evolving in ASCs over the next five years? How will they change and how will they stay the same? Dr. Frank Phillips: ere will be con- tinued expansion of spine procedures in the ASC environment. With the advent of improved anesthesia and more reliable postoperative analgesic strategies, more complex spinal procedures will migrate to ASCs. Already we and others are routinely performing lumbar and cervical fusions as outpatients in an ASC setting. e efficien- cies and cost-effectiveness when compared to traditional hospitals will continue to drive this. With this inevitable migration to out- patient surgery, hospitals/hospital systems and surgeons will be required to partner in creating ASC opportunities. When done ap- propriately this creates aligned incentives for all stakeholders. Q: What opportunities are there for spine surgeons to expand their out- patient ASC and practice? FP: ere are still many instances where spine surgeons do not have relationships, incentives or ready access to focused ASCs. is is particularly the case in academic, university-based programs where large hos- pitals have been the backbone of the rela- tionship. I would suggest that these practices need to explore ASC opportunities, oen by necessity in partnership with their affiliated hospitals, to provide the most appropriate venue for spinal procedures. Spine surgeons interested in expanding procedures in the ASC, should work closely with the center to establish safe and reliable patient care pathways to ensure excellent patient care. Q: What do spine surgeons need to know about payers and reimburse- ment for their procedures in ASCs? FP: is is an area where considerable effort is required. Complex spine procedures are expensive and resource intensive and with- out appropriate contract negotiations and developing carve-outs for implant and bio- logics, these procedures are not sustainable in the ASC. e demonstrable cost savings realized in the ASC environment, will how- ever bring payers to the negotiating table. n Choose the partner already doing it. Spine and Total Joint ASCs Safe, Profitable and Now Possible Acquisition • Development • Management Be a Game Changer. Partner With Us. 615-301-8140 • www.meridiansurgicalpartners.com Spine is making the move to ASCs... Now TOTAL JOINTS are too.