6 questions ASC administrators should consider before adding a new procedure

Adding new procedures can yield great success for surgery centers and bolster their bottom line. However, there are several considerations administrators should weigh before taking on a new service line. JoAnn Vecchio, CEO and administrator of Amherst-based Ambulatory Surgery Center of Western New York, discusses the six metrics the ASC uses before adding a new procedure to its repertoire of offerings.

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Note: This conversation was lightly edited for style and clarity.

Question: What metrics does ASC of Western New York employ to see if procedures would be a good fit for your ASC?
               
JoAnn Vecchio: The metrics we apply are:
•    Is the procedure currently on our fee schedules?
•    What is the reimbursement versus the cost of the case?
•    What is the risk associated with the case?
•    Is the surgeon proficient in the procedure?
•    Where is [the surgeon] currently performing these cases? Is it new revenue?
•    If [we can expect] new revenue, what is the total projected final revenue?

Q:  What are some procedures your ASC has added within the last year or two that has yielded financial gains? What procedures will you consider moving forward?

JV: Our surgery center has recently added unicompartmental knees and total joints. These are safe and very profitable. We have also added pain management injections with fluoroscopy that are very profitable. [In the future], we are looking toward adding total joints and spine.

Learn more from Ms. Vecchio at the 24th Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs in October 2017. Click here for more information.

More articles on surgery centers:
The ASC industry today and new trends taking hold: 3 industry leaders share insights
AmSurg uses data platform to drive patient engagement; Tenet shares up 1.7% & more — 5 ASC company notes
ASC leader to know: Stephanie Martin of Regent Surgical Health

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.

Register to Attend Webinar

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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