Opening an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in a rural area means significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled health care staff, geographic isolation and a smaller patient base, all of which can make it difficult to achieve high surgical volumes and maintain profitability. Other obstacles include poor infrastructure, limited access to reliable transportation and supply chain issues that can increase operational costs. “There has not been much new development in rural health … [Read more...]
IPO List Changes Could Help Rural ASCs Stay Busy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to phase out the Medicare Inpatient Only (IPO) list over three years has stirred conversation among surgery center operators, with many seeing the potential to expand case volumes. And while such a move could be a boon for the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry overall, some types of facilities may see a magnified benefit. “[The removal of the IPO list] has opened up the doors, so to speak, for those higher-margin and … [Read more...]