Critical Surgery Center Mistake: Failure to React to Departing Physician

Kenny Spitler, CDO, Interventional Management Services, identifies and discusses a critical mistake made by ambulatory surgery centers and its ramifications.
 
Kenny Spitler: Unfortunately, I have witnessed several scenarios where a top performing physician has decided to leave an ASC, yet the board or management team does not react. They put blinders on and convince themselves that everything will be okay with status quo.

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A few examples are as follows:

 

  • No adjustments are made to relieve staff or adjust hours.
  • Supply inventory par levels are not decreased.
  • Attempts to replace the departing physician do not take place.
  • Service contracts tied to case volume are not reviewed or amended.
  • Marketing budgets are not fine-tuned.

 

All of these oversights maintain the expenses, yet the revenues are significantly reduced which leads to a perfect storm of business disaster. I have seen this set of circumstances several times with the end results ranging from barely breaking even to bankruptcy.

 

With the proper contingency plan or corporate partner in place, the risk can be significantly minimized.

 

Learn more about Interventional Management Services.

 

Read more from and about Interventional Management Services:

 

Physician Leader in the ASC Industry: Dr. Robin Fowler of Interventional Management Services

 

Kenny Spitler Joins Interventional Management Services as CDO, Outlines 2011 Objectives

 

56 ASC Management and Development Companies to Watch in 2011

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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