Becker's ASC Review asked three ASC leaders to share what their centers are doing to stay competitive.
Here's what they said:
Note: Responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity.
Judy Harless, administrator of Oregon Surgical Institute (Beaverton): Our center opened in April 2018, specifically designed for a robust total joint replacement program. Not only are we capitalizing on being the highest volume TJR facility in the area, but we are continuing to evaluate new technologies that will enhance our services and attract surgeons who are looking for a hospital alternative.
Michael J. Patterson, president & CEO of Mississippi Valley Health (Davenport, Iowa): We are in the final phase of a multimillion-dollar modernization project. We have transitioned to all private rooms, optimized overnight capacity, updated our throughput through facility design and incorporated significant infection prevention strategies to ensure patient safety and well-being. We have recently set our strategic plan for the next three years, which will encompass a variety of initiatives to ensure we remain the market leader in outpatient surgery. We are executing risk-based payment contracts in order to attract patients from a larger geographic region, encompassing nurse navigators to ensure patients are clear on expectations and have a key contact for questions, and above all else, setting and exceeding high standards for patient satisfaction and quality outcomes.
Frank J. Chapman, COO of Ohio Gastroenterology Group and Central Ohio Endoscopy Center (Columbus): First, we focus on quality. Every case, every day is fed into a quality registry so that we can prove our high-quality service. Second, we maintain a high degree of focus on cost so that we can remain a low-cost provider in our region. We participate in benchmarking to understand our cost to that of similar units, and [we] constantly look back to measure our performance and forward to estimate our cost.
To participate in future Q&As, contact Angie Stewart at astewart@beckershealthcare.com.
For a deeper dive into the future of spine, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-15, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.