The ASC industry of 2036 could look considerably different from the facilities dominating the market today.
As higher-acuity procedures continue migrating out of hospitals, ASC leaders expect the next decade to bring not only more complex cases into the outpatient setting, but new facility models designed to handle them safely.
Two ASC leaders joined Becker’s to share what they expect will define the ASC industry over the next decade
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What will the ASC industry look like in 2036? What market- or tech-related developments do you think will play the biggest role in shaping the industry over the next 10 years?
Michael Cournyea. CEO of University at Buffalo (N.Y.) Neurosurgery: I believe the ASC industry in 10 years will have moved most of the complex cases of all specialties to the ASC. I can see a scenario where independent ASCs, hospital/health system owned ASCs and those like SCA will have a step down unit to complement the ASC for these complex cases that require 24-48 hours of observation and care.
Nick Schiavoni, MD. Co-Founder and CEO of Calder Health: Over the next 10 years, ASCs will keep pushing what’s possible in an outpatient setting. Not long ago, a total knee meant a two- or three-day admission. Now it’s routine outpatient. Given the economics, patient preference, and most of the safety data supporting it, I think this trend will continue.
The thing I’d watch is how we keep it safe as the cases get bigger and the patients get sicker. Not all ASCs are created equal, and I think we’ll start to see a more formalized tiering of facilities, categorized by what they’re equipped to handle. Basic centers doing cataracts and colonoscopies on one end, and full surgical hospitals on the other. Then we can use big data and risk calculators to match the right patient to the right setting.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
