An ASC "lifecycle" lasts about 10 years, and an ASC may need to adjust to new challenges once that time is up, according to Lakewood, Colo.-based Pinnacle III.
Pinnacle III listed three changes for ASCs to look out for in the next 10 years:
1. Changing technology means ASCs may need to replace old equipment with up-to-date versions.
2. ASCs can mitigate potential changes in membership, operating agreements and governance changes by planning ahead of time. High-volume physicians retiring and moving facilities are two changes ASCs might face within their first 10 years.
3. Financing is another area for ASCs to watch. ASCs can start by focusing on the surgery center's loans and what to do with money left on the table after the original loans are retired.