The analysis took anonymous data of over 12 million commercial insurance members, according to a Jan. 10 news release. Researchers found that while all surgical volume dropped at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April of 2020, when volumes recovered by June 2020, more surgeries were taking place in outpatient settings.
“The pandemic accelerated a trend toward decreasing inpatient surgeries, and this shift is impacting hospital revenue in real time,” Rajiv Mahale, chief analytics product officer and senior vice president of Cedar Gate, said in the release.
He continued that experts are increasingly in agreement that inpatient surgery levels are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic rates.
“Increases in outpatient and ASC surgical volumes, however, present an opportunity for value-based care delivery models by providing strong patient outcomes and lower costs,” Mr. Mahale said.
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.