Kentucky Surgery Center in Lexington is a multi-specialty ASC that logs more than 10,000 cases a year. Joan Zarth, business manager at the center, discusses five ways the ASC control costs in its business office.
1. Audit regularly. In addition to a yearly audit by an outside firm, Ms. Zarth routinely audits billing and coding procedures, pulling 15-20 charts at random each month. This helps her keep on top of accounts receivables. The center's average time in A/R is about 38 days, compared with about 50 days nationally.
2. Set the bar for staff. Ms. Zarth challenges billing staff to beat last year's monthly collection level by tracking current collections over the month and putting them up on a chart for all to see. She offers the full billing staff members a free lunch if they can exceed last year's level.
3. Check supplies as they arrive. When supplies are delivered, staff open the box and check the contents against the packing slip. Staff also verify the items against their invoices.
4. Don't use the mail. Rather than pay postage or FedEx rates, staff use e-mails or faxes whenever possible.
5. Switch to energy-savings bulbs. "Using low-energy lighting can save a lot of money on electric bills," Ms. Zarth says. The only downside is waiting a minute or two for lights to come on when the ASC opens in the morning.
Read more ideas for cost savings:
- Case Study: 4 Ways Michigan Surgery Center Cut Costs and Improved Profits
- Case Study: 6 Successful Ways Washington State ASC Increased Profits
- 5 Ways to Save Money on Supplies in a GI-Driven ASC