There are a number of specialties ASC leaders are optimistic about moving forward, according to panelists who attended the Becker's ASC 26th annual meeting in Chicago.
The panelists included:
- Gregory P. DeConciliis, PA-C, administrator of Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites;
- Rebecca Bruce, director of the UPMC Leader Surgery Center in York, Pa.;
- Robert Thornberry, MD, of the Tallahassee (Fla.) Orthopedic Clinic;
- Stephen Blake, JD, CEO of Central Park ENT & Surgery Center in Arlington, Texas.
Three insights:
1. Orthopedics. Many ASCs are pursuing total joint programs and are finding adding the procedures to be a good investment, especially when partnering with private insurers.
2. Spine. Spine procedures are high-reimbursing cases, with one panelist saying that one of his spine surgeons could generate $100,000 using one operating room.
3. Ear, nose and throat. ENT procedures are high volume, and have a lower cost and minimal supplies. Community exposure also makes ENT lucrative, as families bring their children to the center.