1. How come your reports are always late? Many ASCs have that one surgeon who just can’t seem to get dictated reports submitted on time. Doctor, why do you need to be told again and again to send in your reports? Please realize that the longer we wait to submit claims, the longer it takes to get paid.
2. Be a partner rather than a critic. Sometimes when a manager is struggling to put out a few brushfires, one or two surgeons will walk by with a smirk, as if this has absolutely nothing to do with them. Doctor, we are all in this together. If I can’t resolve this problem, it’s not going to help any of us. Things go so much better when all function as a team.
3. Why do you work somewhere else when you’re an investor here? There are physicians who never use the ASC where they have an investment, preferring to do cases at the hospital or at another ASC down the street. We think we know what happened, doctor. Someone said you couldn’t do a certain case or couldn’t order certain equipment, and your feelings were hurt. Now you’re turning your back on us, but secretly you want us to win you back.
4. Share the wealth with employees. Sometimes surgeons will open their monthly checks, never thinking that some of this money should go to staff who made this all possible. Spread some of that money around, doctor. Even something modest like a gift certificate for a dinner out would mean a great deal to an employee who went above and beyond the call of duty.
5. Get involved in quality programs. It’s important that physicians get involved in issues such as ensuring patient screenings, monitoring surgical site infections, risk management and quality improvement. What would you be able to say about these programs, doctor, if a site surveyor came in through the front door and asked you about them point-blank? These issues affect our certification and licensure and, ultimately, our patients.
Learn more about Pinnacle III.
Read more ideas for ASC improvement:
– 5 Most Attractive ASC Specialties
– 4 Steps to Steady ASC Profits and High Volume
– Growing Your ASC, the Path of Least Resistance: Top 4 Easiest Specialties to Transition Into an ASC
