1. Benchmark against ASCs of similar specialties. It is much more beneficial for ASCs to benchmark against ASCs that provide the same service lines to their patients. Whether you are a single- or multi-specialty ASC makes a difference, as the patient flow may be quite different in a single specialty ASC versus a multi-specialty ASC.
“When we’re talking about benchmarking, what physicians and ASC administrators really want to know is information about ASCs which match them in specialty,” Ms. Twiford says. “Let’s say in my local area, there are 4-5 orthopedic-driven ASCs. Information from centers that are specifically orthopedic will be beneficial when I’m benchmarking my own orthopedic-driven ASC’s processes or supplies.”
2. Benchmark against ASCs of similar size. ASCs can vary dramatically in size depending on the number of operating and procedure rooms, which means ASCs will also have markedly different patient volumes and workflows.
“Your flow is more complicated if you have 4-5 OR as opposed to one OR, which means your ASC most likely has that many more physicians and staff, a variety of block schedules and a more complicated instrument flow,” Ms. Twiford says. “Along those same lines, you may want to benchmark with someone with similar patient volume.”
3. Benchmark against ASCs of similar maturity. Depending on how long your ASC has been open for, you will want to benchmark against ASCs that have been open for a similar length of time. Ms. Twiford says every ASC typically goes through phases of maturity that impact their respective operational processes.
“When an ASC first opens, it’s still building volume. Then, traditionally, those ASCs reach a plateau, where they need to come up with something new, such as a new service or new physicians that may lead to a need to expand” she says. “So if I’m part of a brand new ASC and I want to see how well my ASC is doing, I want to benchmark with another facility which has been open a year or less. If I’ve reached the plateau and want to see what I can do, I want to benchmark with facilities that have been open longer, for perhaps 3-5 years, and benchmark my ASC against theirs.”
Bunny Twiford, RN is a member of SGNA, AORN and APIC. She is currently president of the Bux-Mont Chapter 3912 of AORN in Pennsylvania. Learn more about Twiford Consulting at www.twifordconsulting.com or you can contact Ms. Twiford through twifordconsulting@gmail.com.
