Ali Ghalayini. Administrator at Munster (Ind.) Surgery Center, told Becker's ASC Review that ASCs are witnessing "substantial growth" driven by an increased demand in outpatient services and expansion in focused, specialized services.
Here, Mr. Ghalayini outlines five big opportunities he sees for growth:
1. Increasing demand for outpatient procedures. ASCs have gained popularity as a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional hospital-based surgeries. The shift toward outpatient procedures is driven by advancements in medical technology, improvements in anesthesia and pain management techniques and the desire to reduce healthcare costs. This trend is expected to continue, providing opportunities for ASCs to expand their service offerings.
2. Expansion of specialized services. ASCs have traditionally focused on performing low-risk procedures, such as cataract surgeries, endoscopies and orthopedic surgeries. However, there is an increasing trend toward ASCs offering more complex and specialized procedures, such as total joint replacements, spine surgeries and cardiac procedures. Expanding into these areas can open new avenues for growth.
3. Growing aging population. The aging population drives the demand for healthcare services, including surgical procedures. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, there is an increased need for procedures like joint replacements, cataract surgeries and gastrointestinal procedures. ASCs can capitalize on this trend by expanding their services to cater to the specific needs of the elderly population.
4. Healthcare policy and reimbursement. Changes in healthcare policies and reimbursement structures can significantly impact the ASC industry. Staying updated with regulatory changes and actively participating in advocacy efforts can help ASCs navigate the evolving landscape and identify growth opportunities.
5. In addition to technological advances that can enhance the capabilities of ASCs, moreover, strategic partnership and collaboration with hospitals and physician groups can provide access to a broader patient base and additional resources.
This is an excerpt from a previously published artilce on ASC growth. Read the entire article here.