Before CMS moved PCIs to the ASC-approved list, Bain & Co. predicted that one-third of cardiovascular cases would be performed in ASCs by the mid-2020s. Now, some predict that number will be even higher.
In a contributed piece on CLD, Marc Toth, vice president of cardiovascular services for Phoenix-based Atlas Healthcare Partners, and Derek Mitzel, DO, CMO of Phoenix-based Banner Ambulatory Surgery Centers, explained why they think health systems should embrace this opportunity:
1. ASCs are comfortable, cost-effective and convenient, providing a better and more personalized patient experience.
2. Interventional procedures are safe and appropriate for the ASC setting due to advancements such as transradial access and same-day discharge. ASCs have been safely implanting pacemakers, defibrillators and loop recorders for years.
3. Moving routine, low-acuity cardiovascular procedures out of the hospital can free up catheterization and electrophysiology labs for complex, high-margin procedures.
4. The American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions both support the provision of PCIs in the ASC setting.
5. Moving 5 percent of coronary interventions from hospitals to ASCs could reduce Medicare payments by about $20 million and total beneficiary copays by about $5 million in 2020, CMS estimated in its final rule.
More articles on surgery centers:
How ASCs can handle surgical smoke
Cardinal Health addresses massive surgical gown recall, expects $96M charge — 7 things to know
2019’s top ASC quality stories
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.