1. Cost increases
Gastroenterology leaders are eyeing labor and supply costs increases and how they compare to increases in reimbursements, Andy Paulson, executive director of Peoria-based Central Illinois Endoscopy Center, told Becker’s.
Other leaders agree. “Reimbursement changes involving our services and our providers may have an effect on our budgets, requiring us to look for opportunities to make adjustments,” Emma Gimmel, BSN, RN, director of nursing at New York City-based Manhattan Endoscopy, told Becker’s.
2. ASC migration
Chris Shaver, MD, gastroenterologist at Birmingham (Ala.) Gastroenterology Associates, is focusing on continuing efforts to relocate outpatient procedures to ASCs.
“The process involves updating protocols for our schedulers as well as tweaking our relationships with hospitals, who covet our hospital-based procedures,” he told Becker’s.
3. Supply shortages
“As a single-specialty, GI/endoscopy/gastroenterology diagnostic ASC, the supply chain and market have changed from “pre-COVID” to note prices and allocations,” Ms. Gimmel told Becker’s. “We know that shortages, recalls, or anything that interrupts availability of our supply inventory can affect us almost on the spot.”
Ms. GimmelI watches for news and updates related to GI supplies to “anticipate needs and possible alternatives in order to prevent any interruption of services.”
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.