At the 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in Chicago on June 14, TK Miller, MD, with Carilion Clinic Orthopedics in Virginia; Todd Evans, with Capital Growth Medvest; and Joseph Zasa, co-founder and managing partner of ASD Management, discussed the importance of developing a spine program in ASCs.
"Spine, in the last few years, has really taken off," in the ASC space, Mr. Zasa said, in part because techniques and technology now allow for it. Implementing a spine program often leads to high reimbursements, increased volumes and a net reduction in healthcare costs.
The three panelists presented a variety of considerations ASC leaders should keep in mind before diving into outpatient spine surgery.
When building a spine program, choosing the right surgeon is of upmost importance, according to Dr. Miller. "Credentialing is not equivalent to the best candidate," he warned, and noted that an ASC is not the forum for a surgeon to learn new procedures.
Mr. Evans discussed what the actual facility needs to implement a spine program, like new equipment, a convalescent care program or new supplies. "If your suppliers aren't up to speed, you're going to be dead in the water from day one," he said.
He also focused on relationships with the implant and other vendors. "Cost control is a big issue," he said. "If you don't control it, it is going to be a problem." He recommended setting up relationships directly with tissue banks, for instance.
Other considerations ASCs need to keep in mind before starting a spine program include patient selection, anesthesia involvement and the scrub staff.