As more high-acuity procedures become available in the ASC setting, less-invasive procedures, like cataract surgery and hand procedures, have begun shifting to office-based settings.
Kayla Carey, COO of Rosemont, Ill.-based Ambulatory Anesthesia Care, recently joined Becker’s to share data and insights from her organization on the past and future growth of office-based procedures.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length:
KC: The shift of less-invasive procedures to office-based settings is a significant trend in healthcare, driven by advances in minimally invasive technologies and cost-containment strategies.
1. Cost Savings: Office-based procedures offer substantial cost savings compared to traditional facility settings. On average, procedures performed in the office cost 52% less than in hospitals and 42% less than in [ASCs]. This reduction in cost is crucial for both patients and payers, making office-based care a financially attractive option.
2. Efficiency and Accessibility: Office-based care maximizes the utilization of existing space, increases productivity by eliminating travel time and facility delays (approximately two hours per day), and allows for more procedures to be performed in the same time block. This efficiency leads to faster diagnostics, quicker treatments and healthier populations, ultimately reducing future healthcare costs.
3. Patient Benefits: Patients benefit from the comfort and convenience of a familiar setting, reduced out-of-pocket expenses, and improved overall health outcomes. With over 300 procedures approved by Medicare to be performed in non-facility settings, the potential for widespread adoption is immense.
4. Safety and Quality: Office-based procedures have been shown to result in the same or better outcomes than traditional facility settings with proper safety and patient selection. For example, the rate of hospital transfers and patient falls in office-based settings is comparable to or lower than that in ASCs.
5. Incentives for Payers: Payers must recognize the long-term savings and improved patient outcomes that come with the shift to office-based care. By aligning incentives and providing financial support for in-office procedures, payers can ensure that physicians maintain control over their practice, preserve their independence and continue to deliver high-quality care.
KC: The transition of less-invasive procedures to office-based settings is a strategic move that benefits all stakeholders. While there are concerns about patient safety and regulatory standards, the potential for cost savings, efficiency and improved patient outcomes makes this shift imperative. Payers need to embrace this evolution and provide the necessary financial support to ensure its success. The future of healthcare depends on it.
