Dr. Metz told MarketWatch in an interview that for many surgeons, the possibility of more money is a “secondary” benefit to working at an ASC. Mostly, he said, “surgeons are very driven by efficiency and very impressed when things run on time and as scheduled.” At a hospital, a surgeon might have to tolerate down time between surgical cases — time that could be spent treating patients.
He also said patients who choose ASCs appreciate the high staff morale and one-on-one attention they receive from the centers. Dr. Metz’s current facility has four licensed ORs and one procedure room and about 25 surgeons perform approximately 7,000 procedures annually.
Dr. Metz is heavily invested in patient safety. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he said anesthesiologists must ensure they have the supplies necessary to take care of a problem if one occurs. If an anesthesiologist is using inhalation anesthetics, he needs dantrolene and staffers who can use it — even if a case of malignant hyperthermia only happens once every 10 years. “It’s the same as saying we are unlikely to have a fire, but it’s important to have a fire extinguisher around,” he said.
In addition to running his practice, Dr. Metz serves on the board of directors for the ASC Association and was program committee chairman for the association’s first meeting held in San Antonio. Dr. Metz received his MD from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.
Read about Dr. Metz and 71 other notable physician leaders in the ASC industry.
