This is because they offer a range of benefits to multiple stakeholders. One of the most clear cut benefits is cost savings to Medicare. At an average ambulatory reimbursement rate of around $6,000 or less, compared to $12,000 in the hospital environment, outpatient PCI is expected to save Medicare around $20 million per year, and beneficiaries another $5 million in out-of-pocket expenses. In terms of patient safety, PCI3 has been performed safely in the hospital outpatient setting for the last decade.
Clinical trials have shown no significant difference in major short- or long-term adverse cardiac events when PCI is conducted in the ASC versus a hospital setting. This is largely thanks to appropriate patient and access site selection, reduced equipment size, bleeding avoidance strategies, and advances in technology. Patients additionally enjoy easier parking, admission, and discharge in the ASC setting.
On the clinician side, outpatient PCI returns control to physician hands since so many ASCs are physician-owned.
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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.