With more physicians and surgeons moving towards outpatient and ASC settings, one leader is concerned about the impact it could have on hospital care.
If too many physicians start providing care at ASCs full time, there may not be enough staff on hand at hospitals, medical centers and other non-ASC facilities, leading to a dip in patient care.
Michael Firstenberg, MD, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery and Department of Surgery Chair of Maui (Hawaii) Memorial Medical Center, recently connected with Becker’s to share concerns about a trend that could develop in the next six months.
Question: What will be the biggest trend that emerges in the ASC industry during the second half of 2025?
Dr. Michael Firstenberg: It is concerning that as more and more physicians, surgeons and proceduralist perform all of their procedures at ASCs – who is going to cover “hospital call” if they are no longer able and/or willing to cover call, especially when it is “their” patients and procedures that have problems and complications and need to go to the hospital. Who will take care of these patients going forward?
