ASCs are entering what Jenny Bono, administrator of the Joint Replacement Center of Lake Charles (La.), calls an “accelerated maturation period.”
Over the next five years, she expects ASCs to evolve not only in size and volume but also in how they compete within the broader healthcare landscape.
Ms. Bono joined Becker’s to discuss what will set successful ASCs apart during this next phase of growth.
Editor’s note: This interview was edited lightly for clarity and length.
Question: What do you think will distinguish successful ASCs during this “accelerated maturation period”?
Jenny Bono: There’s been a lot of effort and focus on growing the ASC market. When I talk about accelerated maturation, I mean we’re at the point where ASCs need to separate themselves from others. In my opinion, success will come down to how they demonstrate measurable value.
Hospitals have focused on value-added initiatives for many years. ASCs are now starting to move in that direction—showing consistent outcomes, providing data transparency and demonstrating value not just to patients but also to payers. Building those relationships will be key for the future.
Q: What advice would you give an ASC that wants to demonstrate value but doesn’t know the next steps?
JB: I’d recommend getting involved in the industry — use resources like ASCA, attend conferences and network with peers. You can invest in software and services, but leaning on peers who have gone through it can be more valuable.
For example, we have a facility about an hour east of us that was opening, and one of our surgeons happens to be related to one of their surgeon partners. He told them to reach out to me. I was only a year into opening our ASC at the time, so I’d just gone through all the pain points. I told them everything we did wrong so they could avoid the same mistakes. I think they left with their eyes wide open — but it helped them a lot.
