Gabrielle White RN, CASC, executive director of ambulatory services and network development of the Hoag Orthopedic Institute's of Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County (Calif.), provides key insights for ASC administrators.
Here are five tips:
1. "If you want a surgeon to change a preference of implant for a particular case and to help improve value – give them data that supports the change. At OSC, we will show the surgeon the cost of the implant request [+ case cost] versus reimbursement and ask if they have alternative vendors we can get competitive pricing from."
2. "Know the finer details of all payers general policies that come out each year for member coverage – this is where you can learn if or what implants and services will be covered for the year."
3. "New technology or a new spin on technology is often very costly and rarely covered by the payer."
4. "It's not just about cleaning [OR, equipment] between patients, it's preventing infections – your support staff play a very important role in this. The OR is the most costly department in an ASC, educate the teams on the cost of products and how the center is reimbursed. We often don't get paid for items wasted."
5. "Be open to helping your competitor when you can, one day you may need them to return the favor."
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