When building a new campus with ASC and medical office building in the same building or on the same campus, it’s best to wait until the physicians have moved into their office space before opening the ASC.
I was involved in one project where the decision was made to open the ASC ahead of the completion of the MOB office spaces. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, the reality is this: It is a significant challenge for physicians and their office staff to change practice patterns to incorporate the ASC into their lives, but when they are still trying to build out space and move into a new space, it becomes almost impossible from a logistical perspective.
It’s best to wait until they make their move, then open the center and focus on moving cases. The ramp-up period in a new center is painful enough without creating more roadblocks than exist normally and what can happen is that the ramp-up period becomes extended even more than was budgeted for in the proforma and it can create a serious financial hardship for the owners for the center.
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Read more insight from Dawn McLane:
– Further Clarification on CMS Waiving Separate Waiting Room Requirement for ASCs
– 3 Financial Issues to Address for De Novo ASCs
– 3 Critical De Novo ASC Mistakes
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.