A board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Lambert received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City and completed his residency at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary in Boston. Prior to founding ASCOA, Dr. Lambert was the developer and owner of three ambulatory surgical centers, including the first eye ASC in New England. He is currently responsible for business development at ASCOA.
At a session at the 10th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference in Chicago, Dr. Lambert shared key concepts for fixing struggling hospital-ambulatory surgery center joint ventures. One common reason for a lack of profitability following a joint venture is that the facility failed to get the “bump” in reimbursement rates expected due to the hospital partnership, he said. It is also problematic if physician recruitment is not part of the business plan. “If I were to pick on thing responsible for these [ASCs] not thriving, I would say their inability to recruit,” he said, adding that ASCs must “recruit for the center before surgeons are employed by other hospitals.”
