ASC leaders are facing a number of headwinds moving into next year.
At a panel discussion at Becker's ASC 26th annual meeting in Chicago, Robert Zasa, president of ASD management; Melissa Weik, executive administrator of North Point Surgery Center; Ying Chen, DO, a neurosurgeon who practices in New Albany, Ohio; and Ken Overbey, chief operating officer of Proliance Surgeons discussed the challenges.
1. Consolidation. As more cases move to the outpatient setting, consolidation will rise and more ASCs will be bought up by hospitals, health systems and private equity firms.
2. Staying competitive. With total joints migrating to the outpatient setting, ensuring that the facility is outfitted for higher acuity cases and having all physicians on board is necessary for success.
3. High-deductible health plans. ASCs handling high-deductible health plans should focus on upfront collections and ensuring patients are comfortable with their deductible.