Q: Last year presented a significant economic challenge for many ASCs. Could you describe one or two successful ways that your ASC was able to reduce costs?
Vicki Edelman: We reviewed many service contracts for compliance with the terms [of the contract]. It is surprising how many times agreements were breached from reputable vendors. Also, medical supply price increases were tracked to determine whether the contract pricing was maintained. These efforts of verification of price can become significant over time. A perfect example is a linen vendor increasing prices by pennies for each line-item times 12 months. We also analyzed the man-hours per case to determine our expenditures on staffing
Q: What were some ways your ASC was able to improve profits (in addition to cost-reductions) and how were you able to achieve this?
VE: We remained out of network as contract negotiations continued. To achieve a high level of profitability, higher case volume with lower reimbursement is not desirable.
Q: What is a major operational objective for your ASC for 2010?
VE: Our objective is to provide quality, safe and effective care to our patients in a cost-effective manner.
Learn more about Blue Bell Surgery Center.
Tips for Analyzing Costs at Your ASC: Q&A With Vicki Edelman of Blue Bell Surgery Center
Vicki Edelman, RN, BSN, is the administrator of Blue Bell (Pa.) Surgery Center, a multi-specialty surgery center that is managed by the Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America.
Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.