ASCs are primed for growth, but industry leaders say a mix of restrictive regulations, stagnant reimbursements, and rising costs are keeping many facilities from reaching their potential.
Two ASC leaders joined Becker’s to discuss the factors stalling ASC growth.
Editor’s note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and flow.
Question: What factors are currently limiting or slowing the growth of ASCs?
Lauren Phillips. Director of Invasive Services at the Cardiac and Vascular Institute (Chiefland, Fla.): Some of the main factors limiting or slowing the growth of ASCs are the current restrictions on what procedures can be performed in the outpatient setting and the reimbursement structure. However, with the continual addition of payable codes by Medicare, ASCs are well-positioned to thrive in the coming years. As this growth continues, staffing will emerge as another significant challenge, as ASCs will need to attract and retain qualified professionals to meet increasing patient volumes and procedural complexity.
Lisa York, RN. Executive Director of Hunterdon Center for Surgery (Flemington, N.J.): The rising costs of supplies and labor versus the lack of increase in reimbursements. Insurance companies being influential in determining patient care venues and our ability to perform cases with, for example, costly implants.
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