Forty-one percent of hospitals and health systems either own a freestanding ASC or are affiliated with one, and they are seeking more, a HealthLeaders Media poll found.
HealthLeaders Media surveyed 109 senior executives and clinical leaders at health systems and hospitals across the U.S. Avanza Healthcare Strategies and Clark Hill Strasburger sponsored the survey.
Here are five takeaways:
1. Of respondents that own or affiliate with an ASC, 93 percent operate one to four surgery centers.
2. Sixty-seven percent of respondents with ASC ownership or affiliation entered into joint ventures with physicians.
3. Forty-eight percent of respondents plan to make additional ASC investments or affiliations in the coming years.
4. Forty-four percent of respondents partner with third-party management companies, which often require an equity stake and long-term contracts.
5. Respondents indicated they believe ASC investments help increase market share, lower costs, improve physician engagement and enhance patient satisfaction.
"A sharp rise in hospitals and health systems seeking to invest in outpatient surgery centers underscores the need for careful planning and expertise in an increasingly competitive space, but providers do not need to give up a share of their business to obtain the help they need. Less costly and more flexible options are available," said Avanza President and CEO Joan Dentler.