With Sg2 predictions expecting a 15 percent increase in outpatient surgical volume over the next decade, physicians and health systems are developing outpatient strategies in anticipation, Practice Partners reports.
Practice Partners developed a four-phase process for establishing an ASC:
1. Introduce the project. The first phase involves an initial meeting with core physicians, identifying physicians' key needs and goals and assessing market dynamics such as competition and regulatory hurdles.
2. Examine the viability. After completing phase one, execute a confidentiality agreement and collect the case/procedure volume, CPT codes and payer mix of physician investors. Develop initial proforma, which should be revised based on feedback. Identify potential ASC locations and estimate the project's cost, scope and feasibility. Continue meeting with core physicians to discuss assumptions about cases.
3. ASC contractual documents. Next, share drafts of operating, management and billing agreements with investors. Revise the partnership documents and execute them.
4. Finalize site selection. Interview and solicit bids from architect and contractors, then make a selection. Draft the ASC floor plan and gain partner approval, and finally, begin construction.