Vertess, a healthcare-focused merger and acquisition firm, predicts three healthcare trends that will change the ASC industry.
1. One-stop shopping. Healthcare's consumer-driven nature is driving demand for one-stop shopping. Consumers want on-demand services, posing opportunities for ASCs as well as urgent care clinics and retail clinics. As this trend continues to take shape, Vertess expects ASCs to combine with ambulatory groups, imaging centers and other specialty groups.
2. Government reform. Officials are changing legislation that impacts how physicians receive reimbursement. To thrive in the competitive healthcare market, surgery centers must work on payer negotiation strategies to obtain better contracts. Bundled payments and shared savings may be considerations for ASCs in the pay-for-performance future.
3. Cost reduction. Surgery centers struggle with payment as the government pays hospital outpatient departments more for the same procedure. To manage costs, surgery centers should monitor their supply expenses and measure their staffing levels to patient volume.
Editor's note: This article was updated on April 25.