Orthopedics in ASCs: What Works and What Doesn’t

Greg Deconciliis, administrator at Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites, gave a presentation titled “Key Tips for Success—Orthopedics in ASCs—What Works and What Doesn’t” at the 9th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference in Chicago on June 9, 2011. BOSS does around 500 cases per year, success that Mr. Deconciliis attributes to having efficient surgeons. Most surgeons performing cases at the ASC have a pre-, peri- and postsurgical routine designed to save time and money.

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To keep surgeons focused efficiency, Mr. Deconciliis said ASCs should have small dictation centers and lounges to prevent them from spending extra time away from the OR. Physician assistants and an experienced OR team can help streamline this surgical process. Keeping costs down through materials management is also an important part of success. Surgeons can save money by using trial equipment and making sure staff don’t open instrumentation packages in the OR until they are needed.

Employees at the surgery center should be full time, cross trained and paid as well as possible for the best results. The staff should be involved in decision-making at the ASC and hold ownership stake in the facility so they can share in the risks and successes. Administrators should also have a strong presence at the ASC. Physician administrators should be trained in business and business administrators should have an understanding of the clinical process.

The more cases brought to the ASC, the higher your revenue will be. If current physician partners are bringing the maximum number of cases possible to the ASC, you might want to consider bringing on new partners. When recruiting new surgeons to the ASC, administrators should speak with the nurses and OR technicians who previously worked with them to learn more about their professional attitude and whether they would fit within the ASC. The best surgeons at the surgery center should be able to accept criticism and change, which inevitably occurs in business.

Related Articles on Orthopedics in ASCs:
6 Observations About Orthopedic-Driven Surgery Centers

4 Best Practices for Expanding Your Orthopedic-Driven ASC

100 Orthopedic- and Spine-Driven ASCs to Know

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