Cost savings are the most commonly recognized benefit of ASCs, but their value goes far beyond penny pinching.
For independently owned ASCs, the ability to articulate added value to patients can influence word-of-mouth marketing and enhance their overall experience. Insight into potential drivers for growth and enhanced KPIs may help you to optimize your facility, so here’s a key benefit to take advantage of:
A better environment for patients and their families:
From the patient perspective, acute facilities can be difficult to navigate, especially for older patients who may have decreased mobility or poor eyesight. Most consumers fall within this older population, particularly as more procedures are approved by CMS. In most stand-alone ASCs, parking is conveniently located right in the front of the facility and the waiting area is directly inside the door. To further enhance this benefit, make sure your ASC is easy to navigate and that entrances are clearly marked with large, easy-to-read signs.
Furthermore, family can be more involved in their loved one’s care within the ASC setting. Since the patient will be returning home following the surgery, it’s vital that staff instruct the family how to care for the patient in the 24 hours following an operation. The family will also receive more attention from staff than they would in a crowded acute waiting area, where family members must be more adamant about receiving patient updates and information. Take advantage of this benefit by ensuring that your waiting room is comfortable and that staff members are accommodating and open with family members.
To learn more about strategies for surgery center success, visit www.cardinalhealth.com/SurgeryCenters.