Robots can be expensive, and surgeons have to be specially trained to properly use the new surgical equipment.
Sam Romeo, MD, general partner at Tower Health & Wellness Center in Turlock, Calif., emphasized that practices have to be willing to consider the cost of robotics and whether or not robots will actually pay off for their patients and physicians.
Editor’s note: Response has been edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are the top considerations ASCs should know before investing in surgical robots?
Dr. Sam Romeo: You have to consider the surgeon’s commitment and number of cases. Robots raise costs without payers offsetting revenue. Do robots add cases and surgeon’s commitment? Added quality is still in question.
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.