Maintaining good communication with physician practices is a must for ASCs, according to Lakewood, Colo.-based Pinnacle III.
Here are five ways ASCs can strengthen communication with physician practices:
1. Strengthen administrative relationships. When the administrative teams at ASCs and physician practices work well together, a strong partnership is easier to form.
2. Coordinate social outings for front office staff. Arranging a lunch or happy hour for schedulers may encourage them to direct more cases to the organizer's ASC over a competing facility.
3. Hold front staff meetings. Use meetings to brainstorm ways to resolve problems and make the practice more efficient
4. Celebrate with affiliated practices. Consider inviting the staff of affiliated practices to holiday parties and summer picnics.
5. Provide resources. Giving affiliated practices information about the ASC such as hours of operation, services, preferred methods of communication and scheduling practices can keep everyone on the same page.