Paula Autry, CEO of Leadership Grass Lake, Mich.-based DNAmics, joined Becker's to discuss misconceptions about the ASC industry and how declining physician pay will affect the ASC industry.
Editor's note: This response was edited lightly for brevity and clarity.
Question: What misconception do people have about the ASC industry?
Paula Autry: One misconception that people have about ASCs is that they are just a way for physicians to make money. ASCs have proven over the years that for the right procedures and appropriate patient population, they can provide high-quality and high-value care. While ASCs are often joint ventures between hospital/health systems and physicians, they also have the benefit of addressing capacity concerns in the hospital in a safe environment with high service.
Q: How will declining physician pay affect the ASC industry?
PA: The looming CMS physician pay cuts could have varying effects on the ASC industry. I have always been impressed with the resiliency of health professionals, and I am confident that the health industry will respond to the current pressures to evolve to an improved delivery system. Declining physician pay, combined with higher costs, will affect the entire industry. Related to ASCs, it may cause physicians to seek employment with health systems and/or reconsider investment in ASCs. ASCs will likely continue to increase given that they can assist with hospital capacity issues, and they remain a high value alternative to inpatient surgery when appropriate.