Hiring top talent and drawing a steady stream of patients are among the challenges ASCs and other outpatient facilities have faced this year, Definitive Healthcare's 2019 outpatient trends survey reveals.
Healthcare data analysts Definitive Healthcare surveyed 188 healthcare leaders on outpatient trends to compile its report.
Four challenges:
1. Implementing and investing in new technologies is the top challenge respondents cited, at 35.8 percent. Often, inpatient and outpatient EHRs and EMRs aren't compatible with each other, leading to frustration between providers.
2. Understanding Industry consolidation is top of mind for survey respondents, with 28.5 percent citing consolidation as top challenge for them as more hospitals, private equity firms and insurers invest in ASCs.
3. Attracting and retaining top talent to help expand business is a factor 16.2 percent of respondents said is a top challenge for 2019.
4. Bringing in new patients is imperative for ASCs to be profitable; 13.1 percent of respondents said attracting new patients is a challenge.