“We just had our conference last Thursday and Friday, and it was the largest we’ve ever had,” Mr. Katz says. The 2010 conference attracted 157 participants, up from around 65 in previous years. “We’ve made our dues structure less expensive,” he says. “When we say we want everybody involved, we mean it.” He says many associations make the mistake of responding to lower membership by raising dues. While the move may be a financial necessity for some ASC associations, high dues may be the reason for low membership in the first place.
He says state ASC associations can have a greater influence on state government decisions if they represent the majority of the state’s ASCs. “Do I think we’ll get to the point where we’re as powerful as the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association? No. They will always have more money,” he says. “But [by recruiting more members], we can bring more money to our side of the table.”
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.
