Intermountain Health is one of the nation’s larger and more innovative health systems. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that the organization is turning its attention to its ambulatory surgery center (ASC) strategy. The nonprofit health system is headquartered in Salt Lake City, but its operations span six states across the Intermountain West. Overall, Intermountain Health has nearly three dozen hospitals and more than 380 clinics. ASCs are a core part of its future, too. “We currently … [Read more...]
From Anesthesia Coverage to Rising Expenses: Industry Leaders Share Thoughts on 2024’s Top ASC Challenges
While every year brings new challenges and opportunities, 2024 has been especially interesting for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and the patients they serve. The narratives shaping this year include the ongoing shift of higher-acuity procedures into the ASC setting and continued workforce challenges, especially around anesthesiology capacity. Storylines defining 2024 also include robust M&A and joint venture activity, including rumors swirling around one of the largest ASC operating … [Read more...]
With Cyberattacks on the Rise, ASCs Must Prepare for Emerging Threats
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights reported 725 significant digital security breaches in health care, surpassing the previous year's 720 breaches. If numbers from the last eight years are any indication, this trend will likely continue. From 2021 to 2022, cyberattacks among ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) alone rose 31% to a total of 235, according to a report from Critical Insight. In June 2024, the Ambulatory Surgery Center of … [Read more...]
What ASCs Should Know About Information Sharing
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final rule on June 24 that established disincentives for health care providers who practice information blocking. That could include ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Under the 21st Century Cures Act, the secretary of the HHS has exercised the department’s authority to establish "disincentives" for health care providers who knowingly engage in practices that unreasonably interfere with the access, exchange or use of … [Read more...]
Strategic Expansion for ASCs: How to Meet Growing Demand
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) play a crucial role in the U.S. health care landscape. There are over 6,000 Medicare-certified ASCs in the country, and this number is rapidly increasing due to several factors, including shifting payer and patient preferences for non-hospital alternatives. For ASC operators, all that growth raises an important question: How do you capitalize on that demand and expand in a strategic, safe and impactful manner? And there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to … [Read more...]
Sutter Health Continues ASC Expansion Despite Industry Challenges
The number of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in the United States has grown significantly over the past five years. The ASC industry experienced an average annual growth rate of 5% between 2018 and 2023, according to industry analysts at IBIS World. This growth is expected to continue at approximately 3% from 2024 to 2033. California is reported to have the highest number of ASCs. One of the biggest players in the market is Sutter Health. Sutter Health, a not-for-profit integrated … [Read more...]
Moving Bariatric Surgeries to ASCs Leads to Greater Patient Availability, Satisfaction
Bariatric surgery has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, with over 250,000 surgical procedures being performed in the United States alone in 2018, per the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This surgery is aimed at helping patients lose excess weight while reducing the risk of weight-related health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, cancers and more. Typically, bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass … [Read more...]
DISC Surgery Center Teams Up with Dr. James B. Chen to Offer Joint Replacement Services as Part of Expansive Growth Plan
DISC Sports & Spine Center has partnered with Dr. James B. Chen, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee joint replacement. Chen is nationally recognized for his work in advanced technology and robotic techniques, giving DISC confidence in the total joint replacement program he is introducing at its Newport Beach, California, facility. DISC Sports & Spine Center provides comprehensive care in spine, orthopedics, pain management and sports medicine. With surgery centers … [Read more...]
From Cutting Facility Fees to Banning Noncompetes: The 2024 Regulatory, Legislative Outlook for ASCs
For ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators, staying abreast of the regulatory and legislative changes that impact daily business and patient care is crucial. And from workforce-related final rules, certificate of need (CON) developments, U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) changes and beyond, there has been no shortage of policy developments over the past several months. The second half of 2024 is likely to present further shifts as well, ASC industry insiders … [Read more...]
‘Recruitment Is More Competitive Than Ever’: As Race for Physicians Heats Up, ASCs Must Adopt More Flexible Workforce Strategies
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) often lack sufficient critical staff, which can negatively impact patient care. In today's ultra-competitive, post-COVID market, a focused medical recruitment strategy can be instrumental in attracting top talent to fill open positions faster, industry insiders told ASC News. “The first thing to remember is that physicians aren't just producers; they're pivotal team members whose insights and expertise drive the success of our ASCs,” James H. Becker, CEO … [Read more...]