Critical ASC Mistake: Failure to Control Staff Salaries

Lisa Austin, RN, CASC, vice president of ASC operations for Pinnacle III, says many ASCs do not construct cost-effective compensation models for their staff. She describes some best practices to avoid such a predicament.
Lisa Austin: One of the biggest problems we’ve found is ASC staff [members] being paid to work shifts. Because ASCs are intended to operate more efficiently than more traditional healthcare settings, it is not advisable to adopt the traditional shift nursing model used in larger hospitals. Staffing should be structured around the number of cases scheduled each day. If you have a low volume day before Christmas, for example, you need to send clinical personnel home early. Proper preparation is key, however. Hire staff with this expectation clearly outlined — it’s really hard to create a change in mentality [of how staff members will be compensated] after the fact.

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One way to involve staff members in an ASC’s operation [as a component of compensation] is to allow them to financially benefit, through a good profit-sharing program built upon the cost savings that you’re able to accomplish. If you’re able to create cost savings in your salaries and supplies, a portion of that additional profit can be distributed to your staff on a monthly or quarterly basis. Staff members become more excited about creating efficiencies when they know that their efforts have a tangible effect on the outcome and they can benefit from the resultant savings.

Learn more about Pinnacle III.

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

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