Last year, Dr. Jim Ballard and Dr. Chris Nanson opened the Oregon Surgical Institute, where they perform total joint procedures and spine and orthopedics cases.
The two physicians shared key lessons learned from opening an ASC and establishing an outpatient total joint program with ASC manager Regent Surgical Health.
1. Educate your patient. Drs. Ballard and Nanson said education plays a big role in getting patients prepared for outpatient surgery through setting expectations. Taking patients on a tour of the facility and explaining physical therapy and anesthesia are key ways they teach patients before outpatient surgery.
2. Boost team spirit. The nimble environment of the ASC has affected how the staff and patients interact with each other, the physicians said. The focus on efficiency and being on the same page with one another on a tight-knit team make working in the ASC rewarding.
3. Set a standard. Effort and coordination among the surgeons is key to a total joint program being successful. Standardizing processes among surgeons can help ensure cases run smoothly.