Philip Blair, CEO of Surgery Center Services of America, spoke with Becker’s about his ASC company’s history and obstacles to growth.
Editor’s note: This response was edited lightly for length and clarity.
Question: What’s the biggest obstacle to ASC growth?
Philip Blair: There are still many states that have pretty restrictive certificate-of-need laws. It would just be a huge gold rush and avenue for lowering healthcare costs if governments could give these physicians an opportunity. There’s really only 20 percent of these physicians who are entrepreneurial, who understand the business aspect of running these facilities and take the risk. We have an aging physician population, but we also have new physicians. We’ve been doing this so long that we’re doing the ASCs for the sons whose fathers have now retired or are on the verge of retiring.
The ASC is a proven model. So you have a whole batch of new physicians coming in, and we know the model. There are proven models. If you want to do surgery center with your surgical volume, your specialty, your specific situation, there’s an example out there somewhere in the country that that we can replicate in some fashion or craft for you to meet your needs.
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.