Peabody, Mass.-based Orthopedic Surgical Center of the North Shore CEO Jarett Landman discusses the challenges his center faces and where North Shore is headed in the future.
Mr. Landman will speak at the Becker's ASC 25th Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, October 18-20, 2018 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register.
Question: What is the biggest issue your ASC is facing today? What strategy are you using to overcome it?
Jarett Landman: Massachusetts was historically resistant to the transition of traditional inpatient cases — total joints and spine — to the outpatient ASC setting. In 2018, due to patient demand, insurer approval and successful proof of concept in other areas of the country, there has been incredible pressure to be first to market locally to offer these services. Like any new program adoption, careful consideration is given to development of clinical pathways, resource allocation, capital investment and infrastructural requirements. Thankfully, being a late adopter due to the state's regulatory restrictions has its benefits. It has given me the opportunity to leverage colleagues outside of the local geography for protocols as we begin to develop our own joint program.
Q: How is value-based care affecting your ASC or your plans for the future?
JL: I think we have always been well positioned for value-based care. As an independent ASC, we have always been the low-cost provider of services compared to our hospital or HOPD counterparts; same surgeons, same minimally invasive techniques, same quality outcomes and increased customer satisfaction due to the efficiencies and cost savings we provide to our patients. I am excited by the challenge that outpatient total joints will provide, as we again strive to prove that quality healthcare can be delivered safely, effectively and inexpensively.
Q: Over the next two to three years, what is the biggest opportunity for growth of your ASC?
JL: Without question it will be the growth of outpatient total joints and spine. For many years our greatest challenge was remaining lean in a healthcare ecosystem that favored hospital contracts, and that never fully rewarded the value we provided in our reimbursement. Now, as we can manage the episode of care in the outpatient setting effectively, we will open ourselves up to an entirely new book of business driving visits and revenue to the center.