Drug diversion in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is more common than most operators realize. And the consequences of not taking the topic seriously are far-reaching. Although the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) inspects ASCs less commonly than hospitals, that doesn't mean these facilities are off the hook, Dennis Wichern, a retired DEA agent and partner at Prescription Drug Consulting, said during a recent Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) webinar. “The odds of DEA knocking … [Read more...]
From Paper to Pixels: Why ASCs Are Finally Embracing Electronic Health Records
In the ongoing shift toward value-based care, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) may need to rethink their record-keeping. While hospitals embraced electronic health records (EHRs) years ago, often propelled by federal mandates, many ASCs continue to rely on paper documentation and manual processes. But momentum to go digital is building. With private equity activity, more health system affiliations, and a growing need for cost savings and efficiency, ASC operators are implementing … [Read more...]