Communication, scheduling, recruitment and cybersecurity are just a few business aspects that ASC managers must closely monitor.
A compilation of ASC management tips published by Becker's ASC Review:
Showing your employees they're valued and listening to their input are two key ways ASC leaders can be effective.
Blockbuster's downfall carries several lessons for ASCs: Know what customers want, consider lowering prices to increase value and be open to new business partners.
Control over the scheduling process is a reliable indicator of ASC profitability, according to Simplify ASC, a surgery center management platform company. Adjust surgery schedules to accommodate individual surgeons' time-management habits and communicate delays to patients.
ASCs should be proactive and sell their strengths to attract the best candidates, according to Liz Bickley, senior vice president of healthcare client services for Cielo, a recruitment process outsourcing company.
To tackle employee disengagement, ASC managers should first try coaching and guiding disengaged employees. The Baird Group's Kristin Baird said managers can also try reprimanding employees. Letting these employees go is a last resort.
Inflection 360 managing partner Michael Roub said scheduling flexibility is the key to employee satisfaction because it allows employees to manage responsibilities outside of work, raise families, stay healthy and enjoy life.
If employees are resistant to change, leaders should create a sense of urgency, articulate a clear vision and help everyone see how their work affects the future of the center, healthcare consultant Andy Hillig said. An ASC leader should also measure the center's performance and strive for a full schedule on a daily basis.
There are a few goals to keep in mind when developing information management and policy protocols, according to Lakewood, Colo.-based Pinnacle III. Ensure that policies are accurate, current and protected from inaccurate editing, and immediately share any policy changes with staff.
ASC administrators should bring in a third party to evaluate their security program and thoroughly review policies and procedures, according to Shelly Harvill, a cybersecurity governance and compliance consultant at Agio.
Delegation is essential to helping an ASC thrive, according to Indianapolis-based VEI Michigan Vice President of Operations Jim Stilley, who was interviewed by Roger Manning on the Excellentia Podcast. He also said good listening skills are essential to effective communication in an ASC.
Surgeon Cory Fawcett, MD, said short-term thinking hinders surgery center management and finances. He is the author of The Doctors Guide to Eliminating Debt.
Conducting strategic interviews when hiring new employees is one way ASCs can save money, according to Lakewood, Colo.-based Pinnacle III.