This issue of Becker’s ASC Review focuses on some of the most pressing issues facing our industry, including:
• The future of out-of-network reimbursement. In several articles, we explore the future of out-of-network, as the once-profitable strategy becomes less feasible for surgery centers across the country. While payors are increasingly pressuring centers to move in-network, some markets can still support an out-of-network strategy, depending on local health plans, patient deductibles and the presence of “capped payments” for out-of-network reimbursement.
• Physician employment. The trend of hospitals employing physicians continues, though some experts predict a reversal in the coming years as both parties become disillusioned with compensation arrangements and bureaucratic hurdles. We explore how physician employment is affecting surgery center valuation and profitability as hospitals look to increase market share.
• Increased focus on benchmarking. Surgery centers can significantly improve profitability by setting financial and operational goals and measuring progress. Benchmarking is increasingly crucial as surgery centers prepare to be evaluated based on quality indicators starting in 2012.
We have also included in this issue the brochure for our 10th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management Driven ASC Conference, held June 14th to 16th in Chicago. We have an incredible agenda focusing on the most important issues for surgery centers. Keynote speakers include legendary Coach Lou Holtz and Washington personalities Sam Donaldson and Tucker Carlson.
We hope things are going well. If we can be of assistance in any manner, please contact Scott Becker at sbecker@beckershealthcare.com.
Very truly yours,
Scott Becker
• The future of out-of-network reimbursement. In several articles, we explore the future of out-of-network, as the once-profitable strategy becomes less feasible for surgery centers across the country. While payors are increasingly pressuring centers to move in-network, some markets can still support an out-of-network strategy, depending on local health plans, patient deductibles and the presence of “capped payments” for out-of-network reimbursement.
• Physician employment. The trend of hospitals employing physicians continues, though some experts predict a reversal in the coming years as both parties become disillusioned with compensation arrangements and bureaucratic hurdles. We explore how physician employment is affecting surgery center valuation and profitability as hospitals look to increase market share.
• Increased focus on benchmarking. Surgery centers can significantly improve profitability by setting financial and operational goals and measuring progress. Benchmarking is increasingly crucial as surgery centers prepare to be evaluated based on quality indicators starting in 2012.
We have also included in this issue the brochure for our 10th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management Driven ASC Conference, held June 14th to 16th in Chicago. We have an incredible agenda focusing on the most important issues for surgery centers. Keynote speakers include legendary Coach Lou Holtz and Washington personalities Sam Donaldson and Tucker Carlson.
We hope things are going well. If we can be of assistance in any manner, please contact Scott Becker at sbecker@beckershealthcare.com.
Very truly yours,
Scott Becker