Jeff Leland is CEO of Blue Chip Surgical Center Partners.
Q: We are an ASC looking to add spine surgery. What spine procedures are typically performed in an ambulatory surgery center?
Jeff Leland: Generally speaking, discectomies, decompressions, laminotomies, laminectomies and single-level ACDFs are the spine procedures that are most appropriate for outpatient surgical centers. In our collaborations with many leading spine specialists around the country (including both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons), we see a growing number of physicians growing comfortable with performing more cases on an outpatient basis. Further, there is considerable innovation taking place in outpatient spine. The improvements cover everything from new surgical techniques and technologies, to post-op recovery and overall patient experience, to creative agreements with payers and hospitals/health systems. For these reasons, some surgeons are looking to take certain fusion procedures into outpatient centers.
Beyond the specific types of cases, it's important to remember the other key enablers in establishing clinically distinguished spine surgery centers. Our experience confirms that careful and rigorous patient selection, skilled staff and advanced planning are the keys for spine surgeons seeking a smooth transition to outpatient environments. Community standards for care must also be taken into account.
Looking briefly at the business side of things, we believe spine-focused surgery centers are viable entities provided they are structured to succeed within unique market conditions. Spine cases can also be very useful additions to existing multi-specialty centers.
Learn more about Blue Chip Surgical Center Partners at www.bluechipsurgical.com. Read stories about outpatient spine from Blue Chip at www.bluechipsurgical.com/spinebook.
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