Q: What is the future of the ASC?
Dr. Jensen: There is an overall narrowing of the gap in healthcare technology between inpatient and outpatient surgery. The challenge is that payers tend to be behind on reimbursement. A lot of insurance companies won’t pay for outpatient procedures, though not because of safety and efficacy. There’s a lag time. What I see is a ASCs moving toward a bridge — the short stay. We’ll see one- to two-day stay patients. I think the ASC industry is strong, but in order to secure payers it will have to invest in this bridge or work in partnership with a hospital, because even though healthcare technology is driving procedures toward outpatient settings, payers will stay behind otherwise.
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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.
