ASC industry leader, podcaster and author John Goehle of Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies penned a list of seven key traits to look for when recruiting surgery center leaders, owners and governing body members.
1. Ability to confront surgeons.
"As [directors] of the organization, they are tasked with enforcing the organization’s policies and assuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This will periodically put them in conflict with the surgeons," Mr. Goehle said.
2. Thorough understanding of licensure, certification and accreditation regulations and standards.
3. Leadership and motivational skills to help staff to achieve organizational goals and objectives, along with knowledge of personnel regulations.
4. Awareness of legal issues facing ASCs, such as fraud and abuse, anti-kickback and medicolegal issues.
5. Sufficient financial management knowledge to interact with contracted or employed financial professionals and serve as a financial steward for the organization.
6. Knowledge of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement process and how to develop and manage appropriate monitoring tools.
7. Skills in risk management program development, including incident management, OSHA and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens requirements.