Six ASC leaders shared the resources and people they go to for business advice.
Note: Responses were edited for style and clarity.
Joe Peluso. Administrator at Aestique Surgery Center (Greensburg, Pa.): When we need business advice we turn to the following wise men and women:
1. Key physicians on our medical staff who support patient safety and provide quality care
2. Local business leaders whose companies enroll employees and pay insurance plan premiums for services
3. Organizations that provide data analytics and structures
4. State and federal officials who establish legislation and regulations
5. Health insurance plans who negotiate contractual allowances for procedures
We rely on these people and resources for business advice that ranges across regulatory, financial, and technological disciplines. Despite challenges, we believe opportunities abound for ASCs to survive and thrive.
Catherine Retzbach, BSN, RN. Administrator at Memorial Ambulatory Surgery Center (Mount Holly, N.J.): I have a couple of things I do. We are joint-ventured with a health system, so I will ask for help within the health system. The health system is [affiliated] with 25 centers, so I will reach out to those centers for assistance. I also use the N.J. ASC Association or the Ambulatory Surgery [Center] Association blog for help. Networking has always been a great source of info. There is always someone who has experienced whatever the issue is that you need assistance with at any time.
Jamie Ridout, RN. Administrator at Capital City Surgery Center (Raleigh, N.C).: I try to read journals when I have time to do so, and I am very active in my professional organizations. I have a wide network of colleagues across the country and often reach out to them for advice or insight. Staying in touch with key vendors can give you some insight on what is happening in the market or in the region.
Becky Ziegler-Otis. Administrator at Ambulatory Surgery Center of Stevens Point (Wis.): When it comes to financial concerns in terms of loans, taxes or financial benchmarks, I rely upon the services of my accountant. When I am in search of human resource advice, I go to an HR hotline through my insurance broker. When it comes to technology efficiencies within the business, I look to my IT consultant to assist with opportunities or suggestions I may not have heard of.
I also use the resources of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the variety of webinars, live and recorded, as well as resources such as ASCA Connect to put me in touch with other leaders who may have similar concerns.
James McClung, BSN, RN. Chief development officer at Reliant Medical Services (Austin, Texas): An ASC will always be able to reach out for industry advice with their state organization and ASCA. Though business advice is a very broad term, depending on the topic, it can or should come from a licensed professional or from something as simple as a call to a mentor after (or during) a tough day.
David Horace. Administrator and owner at Bel-Clair Surgical Center (Belleville, Ill.): I usually turn to my healthcare attorney, certified public accountant and staff physicians.
This article was updated 10:05 a.m. Feb. 19 to add responses.
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