Scott Jackson, health systems general manager for Melville, N.Y.-based Henry Schein Medical's ASC customer base, shared his insights on ASC market trends, opportunities and more.
Note: Responses have been edited for style and clarity.
Question: What is the biggest growth opportunity for ASCs in 2019?
Scott Jackson: One of the greatest opportunities for growth will be related to the amount of new procedures which continue to be added to the approved list for ASCs to perform. Spine alone represents a significant opportunity for growth. To help meet demand for customers conducting spinal procedures, Henry Schein offers a new line of low-priced, high-quality spinal implants. This new line of implants can assist ASCs' efforts to maintain sufficient levels of profitability as surgeons perform cervical and lumbar spinal procedures at ASCs. For more information and resources, ASCs can find our website here.
Q: What are the greatest challenges you expect to face in 2019?
SJ: Challenges continue to be related to staffing of clinicians, including surgeon recruitment efforts stymied due to market consolidation and the effects of large out-of-pocket copays for patients. These are the three most common challenges facing our ASC customers.
Q: How do you see the ASC industry growing in the next five to 10 years?
SJ: Given the ASC industry is projected to save our Medicare and its beneficiaries up to $57 billion over the next 10 years, we should expect to witness a continued push to ASCs from the payer community. This plays out well for the future of the ASC industry.
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For a deeper dive into ASC industry trends, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-15, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.