Due to advances in minimally invasive surgery techniques and more effective anesthesia, more total joint replacements are going to be performed in outpatient settings such as ASCs, according to Ortho ServiceLine.
Here are eight questions ASCs should consider from Greg DeConciliis, the administrator of Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites, when launching an outpatient TJR program:
1. Do you have the right physicians? Physician-led outpatient total joint programs tend to be better than those that are not, Mr. DeConciliis said. Having surgeons who are willing to help launch a program will be essential when ASCs are outlining protocols, developing clinical pathways and supporting patients after surgery.
2. Do you know your minimum reimbursement rates and value propositions? Because TJR surgeries cost less and improve patient outcomes, they are a win for insurers. Figuring your profit margins into surgery prices can help ASCs cover costs.
3. Is your staff knowledgeable? ASCs need to determine whether staff such as nurses and anesthesiologists have the necessary knowledge to offer an outpatient TJR program. Extending hours, training and hiring staff may come into play when launching a TJR program.
4. Is there interest among patients? Understanding the demographics of the community an ASC serves can help leverage patient demand for TJR procedures.
5. Which patients are good candidates for the surgery? Ask surgeons and anesthesiologists to create standards for patient screening to minimize risk and improve patient outcomes.
6. What vendors will you use? Establishing good relationships with vendors who have experience providing instruments for outpatient TJRs can help launch your program.
7. What about marketing? Determine how you're going to market your new service such as sending press releases to media about the procedure or asking patients to appear in promotional materials.
8. How will you evaluate successes and failures? Holding a meeting after your center has completed 10 procedures about what was successful and what was not can improve surgeries in the future.
Click here to read more tips from Mr. DeConciliis.