“I don’t need to see another set of studies, polls or research to know our citizens are alarmed at the high cost or insurance and their lack of ability to access quality care,” he said. Citing several studies showing the increasing monopoly-like behavior of insurers, he continued, “There’s a grave picture of who is actually controlling the U.S. healthcare system: Insurance companies are putting profits before people. Insurance companies are refusing to contract with ASCs and blocking their entry into the market through legislation.”
There are several big barriers to ASCs’ asserting themselves (and winning the battle for survival), including lack of involvement from facilities and physicians alike. Sen. Christensen outlined four key strategies for doing so.
1. Coalitions with other like-minded interest groups would strengthen the industry’s message.
2. Elected officials need to hear more political advocacy from the ASC industry. Physicians, administrators and staff need to make their voices heard through e-mail and letter-writing campaigns to their representatives at all levels.
3. Beyond increasing awareness, donating to the ASC political action committee (PAC) and legislators are effective methods for advancing the ASC industry.
4. Finally Don’t be afraid to use your “overlooked but powerful asset”: your patients. “Legislators need to now that the victims here are not ASCs but patients,” he says. “Patient power can have an impact on elected officials, so encourage them to spread the word.”
5. The American Hospital Association has been very effective in spreading its anti-physician-owned facilities message to media outlets, he notes, and ASCs need to take the cue and spread their message to the public by mounting media campaigns of their own: inviting the local media into facilities and telling them about the innovative procedures ASCs can do at lower cost than hospitals.
“You have a small footprint; there are too many ASCs who are not members of their state or national trade associations,” said Sen. Christensen. “[The barriers are] formidable, but no industry is bullet-proof. The public resents being taken advantage of. You need only get the message out. Cut through the clutter, and have a succinct, easy-to-understand message,” and the media, politicians and the public will follow.
Find ways to to take advocacy action. Learn more about and get involved with the ASC PAC. Join your state association.
