Armando Javier Colón Aponte MSCJ, CBMA, COC, CASCC, CPPM,CFWAP, CWHBP, PCAP™’s Post

A thoughtful assessment and suggestions on how to address the rapid move of patient procedures to Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Key considerations for MedTech companies as stated: * Pace of procedure move from hospitals to outpatient care facilities (e.g., 29% growth in Medicare Payments to ASCs from 2014 – 2020) (need to be ready and prepared) * ASCs do not operate the same as HOPDs (need to offer unique service and support) * ASCs have specific product and support needs (need for a targeted sales and support strategy). Understanding how to best message and engage with ASCs and understanding their respective affiliations (IDNs, hospitals, physicians) and relationships will become increasingly important for MedTech companies. Great read Kristin Brillant and Carolina Bueno https://lnkd.in/e__5TDQF

ASCs are strategically investing in key areas to address the evolving landscape of ambulatory surgery centers. Here are the top priorities shaping investment strategies, including Augmented Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence: - Workforce Optimization: ASCs are prioritizing attracting top talent by offering competitive compensation packages, robust benefits, flexible work schedules, and advanced training programs. Implementing efficient scheduling software and optimizing staff-to-patient ratios are key strategies to enhance operational efficiency. Emotional Intelligence - Anesthesia and Shortage Mitigation: To combat the anesthesia provider shortage, ASCs are exploring innovative solutions like tele-anesthesia, APRNs with expanded scope of practice, and regional anesthesia techniques. Investments in advanced anesthesia equipment and technologies aim to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency. - Enhanced Patient Experience: ASCs are investing in patient-centered technologies to improve the overall patient experience, including digital check-in, online appointment scheduling, and patient portals. Focusing on creating a welcoming environment, clear communication, and personalized care plans is central to delivering exceptional patient care. - Technology Adoption: Leveraging technology is crucial for driving efficiency and gaining a competitive edge. ASCs are investing in EHRs, practice management software, and data analytics tools to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. Exploring the potential of augmented intelligence for clinical decision-making is a growing trend. - Service Expansion and Diversification: By expanding service offerings with new surgical specialties like orthopedics, pain management, and ophthalmology, ASCs aim to increase patient volume and revenue. Exploring complementary services such as physical therapy and outpatient rehabilitation creates a comprehensive care continuum. - Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with healthcare providers and technology companies is key for ASCs. Strategic partnerships can provide access to new patient populations, shared resources, cost reductions, and opportunities for digital transformation to improve operational efficiency. Would you like to explore a specific area further, such as the role of augmented intelligence in ASCs? Credits to: Rosie Talaga #AugmentedIntelligence #EmotionalIntelligence #BalancedLife #Diversification #Automation #PrivateEquity #Collaboration #Consolidation #PayersContracts

The Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Only Profit Driven Facilities, An Overrated Cost Initiative Market or a Healthcare Cost Savings Necessity? 🤔😶🌫️ The argument seems to be that the ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) market, while having a rapid rise, sometimes doesn't necessarily prioritize patient needs. Here's a breakdown of the potential criticisms: Overrated Benefits: 📌Cost-effectiveness: ASCs are often touted as cheaper than traditional hospitals. However, critics argue that some procedures might be more expensive at ASCs due to facility fees or lack of bulk purchasing power. 📌Convenience: ASCs offer a more comfortable and quicker experience compared to hospitals. But some surgeries might require more complex post-operative care, which ASCs might not be equipped for. Patient Needs vs. Market Forces: 📌Selection bias: ASCs might prioritize procedures that are profitable and have faster turnaround times, potentially neglecting procedures that are more complex or less profitable. 📌Focus on profit: The growth of ASCs might be driven by profit motives rather than prioritizing what patients truly need in terms of access to necessary procedures or specialists. Here's how the counter-arguments might look:👨🏫👩🏫 * ASCs can provide a valuable alternative for appropriate procedures, reducing wait times and hospital overcrowding. * Advancements in surgical techniques might allow for more complex procedures to be performed safely at ASCs in the future. 🙈🙉🙊 Overall, the debate highlights the need for a balanced approach. ASCs can be a valuable tool, but they shouldn't replace traditional hospitals entirely. The focus should be on ensuring patients have access to the most appropriate setting for their specific needs, regardless of cost or convenience. For a more nuanced understanding, you can search for terms like "pros and cons of ASCs," "ASCs and patient outcomes," or "regulation of ASC market." #asccostsavings #qualitycare

What role do Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) play in #healthcare? ASCs play a crucial role in modern healthcare by providing efficient, cost-effective surgical care outside of traditional hospital settings. A few reasons why they're so important: 💰Cost-effectiveness - ASCs typically have lower overhead costs compared to hospitals, resulting in lower charges for patients and payers. This helps to reduce overall healthcare expenses. 🕗 Convenience - Patients appreciate the streamlined processes, shorter wait times, and easy access to outpatient surgical procedures closer to home. 💡 Innovation - ASCs are at the forefront of adopting new technologies and techniques, driving innovation. This enables them to offer advanced treatments and procedures to patients. 👩⚕️ Specialized care - Many ASCs focus on specific procedures or specialties, allowing for a high level of expertise and specialized equipment tailored to those services. This specialization leads to better outcomes for patients. Overall, ASCs play a vital role in enhancing access to quality outpatient surgical care while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs, and improving the patient experience. #ASC #healthcare #outpatient

Designing a great Ambulatory Surgery Center goes beyond bricks and mortar. It's about creating a seamless experience for both practitioners and patients. But how do you ensure your ASC meets the highest standards of patient safety while adhering to regulatory compliance from the get-go? The secret is about integrating credentialing insights directly into the design phase - a game-changer for operational efficiency and patient care. Why is this approach so effective? It not only minimizes delays and surprises during construction but also sets a new benchmark in healthcare design, focusing on patient-centric principles from day one. Want to know more? Learn about APEX's proprietary methodology, blending architectural innovation with healthcare insight, in redefining ASC design. In our latest blog, we are exploring how we ensure seamless operational flows and enhance patient experiences so that we can help our clients create state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Check out our blog for the full story. https://lnkd.in/gytRfpeg #Apex #HealthcareConstruction #HealthcareDesign #SurgeryCenterConstruction #DesignInHealthcare #PatientCenteredDesign

Procedures are coming back... Staffing issues are easing... GLP-1s are still disruptive... Bariatric is down... Robotic surgeries are looking up... If you're a GTM leader, consider this long list of variables and headwinds/tailwinds. The uncontrollables are a constant - in every therapy area. This year -- let's double down on the "Controllables." We're here to help you diagnose these controllables: -- Are we making the effort? Are we reaching the right stakeholders? Are these stakeholders engaged? If so, when? -- When we get the chance to articulate value, can we do it? How do we do it? -- Is coaching happening? If so, is it effective? -- Is my team engaged? Where do they need help? Putting a system and process in place to execute against these controllables removes one more unknown from your forecast. Not for nothing, HCPs like working with well-prepared reps and it sounds like there are opportunities out there for the taking... -- "Almost half of respondents expect procedure volumes to rise by 5% to 6% this year." -- "This year, one-third of hospital executives said procedure volumes are still affected by staffing shortages. The easing of shortages at many hospitals is supporting increases in procedure volumes." -- "Robotic surgery was third on the list of spending priorities this year, behind facilities/construction and surgical equipment, and experienced the biggest year-over-year increase of any category. "

Interesting article (sponsored by Dukal) in Journal for Healthcare Contracting: One highlight: Hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) will continue to experience patient growth (19% and 25% by 2029), with patient volumes projected to increase by 15 million from 2019 to 2029. In addition, the shift in procedures from inpatient to outpatient will help drive down the cost of surgical procedures. Not surprising but continues a trend.

As certificate of need rules start to tumble nationally, and now that CMS has broadened coverage to common procedures like PCIs and ablations to ASCs, we will see more ASCs spring up. They will also offer fertile ground for private equity rollups. Now let’s see some of those savings truly accrue as part of value based contracts.

ASC Data has released it's latest ASC Industry Overview. Here's the summary. The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) market is a rapidly growing segment of the healthcare industry, currently valued at $45.6 billion with over 11,700 centers nationwide. ASCs offer patients a cost-effective and efficient alternative to hospital-based outpatient surgery, specializing in a narrower range of procedures with a focus on quality and patient satisfaction. Key Market Trends: + Growth and Innovation: Technological advancements and favorable regulations have fueled market growth, with a projected value of $55.3 billion by 2029. + Shifting Landscape: More facilities are becoming Medicare-certified, and private insurance is increasingly covering outpatient procedures. + Cost Efficiency: ASCs offer significant cost savings for patients, insurers and Medicare compared to hospital outpatient departments. + Evolving Specialties: While specialties like endoscopy and ophthalmology dominate the ASC space, cardiology, musculoskeletal, and orthopedics are experiencing rapid growth. + Challenges: ASCs face challenges such as anesthesia costs, nurse shortages, and pressure on profitability due to increasing partnerships with private equity and management companies. Ownership and Structure: + Physician ownership remains dominant, although hospital and corporate partnerships are increasing. + ASCs vary in size, with most having 1-4 operating rooms. + The majority of ASCs specialize in one or two specialties, contributing to their efficiency and expertise. The ASC market is poised for continued growth, driven by an aging population, technological advancements, and increasing demand for outpatient services. However, navigating challenges like workforce shortages and evolving reimbursement models will be crucial for sustained success. Stakeholders can support the ASC industry by: +Using and sharing accurate market data from reputable sources. +Contributing to ASC advocacy efforts. +Supporting organizations like the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the ASC QUALITY COLLABORATION INC (ASCQC). View the full #ASCDATA report below or by visiting https://lnkd.in/gdMnMy5W #surgerycenters #ambulatorysurgery #healthcare

A BUSY SCHEDULE MIGHT NOT BE A GOOD THING In the current landscape, surgeons, whether operating within solo practices or as part of a group, present with two predominant scenarios: those who are navigating the complexities of a fully booked schedule (at capacity) and those aspiring to expand their patient base. Each group faces unique challenges in a world that has been significantly reshaped in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional models of surgical practice are being tested, necessitating a strategic pivot to ensure sustainability and growth. “AT CAPACITY” WILL YIELD DIMINISHING RETURNS Surgeons at capacity or those endeavoring to enhance their practice through increased patient volume are encountering a critical juncture. With a reported 20% rise in claim denials year-over-year, the imperative to optimize patient mix and increase practice efficiencies has never been more pressing. The stark reality is that without strategic adjustments, surgeons risk annual diminishing returns for their commitment to patients and tireless hard work. Alarmingly, some surveys indicate that close to 65% of surgeons are experiencing burnout, attributing this to the constant push to amplify their workload merely to maintain their current income levels. This approach is not only unsustainable but also detrimental to both practitioner well-being and the quality of patient care. SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES KNOW THEIR CONVERSION RATES AND SCALE SURGICAL VOLUME Furthermore, scaling business based on patient volume is inherently affected by the historical conversion rate of the practice. When the conversion of new patient consultations to surgical procedures is below 90%, scaling patient volume often leads to greater inefficiency and unsustainable growth. In lower converting practices, the challenge is to shift focus towards optimizing surgical outcomes rather than merely increasing patient throughput. In this context, "capacity" should not solely be defined by the limitations of your schedule but rather by the strategic allocation of your expertise to surgical cases that align with your practice's strengths and goals. The key to thriving in this new era lies in a fundamental reevaluation of patient acquisition strategies, emphasizing quality and specialization over quantity. TWO SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO SCALE SURGICAL VOLUME To revolutionize your practice in this nuanced economy, consider a two-pronged approach. [1] Initially, concentrate on attracting patients who are actively seeking surgical solutions and are positioned to proceed with the necessary procedures. [2] Next, begin leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline the pre-qualification process, enhancing the efficiency of prior authorization submissions, while also reducing denials. Nemedic introduces a paradigm shift, optimizing your practice for procedures, to not only navigate but excel in this challenging landscape. Fire up!