"Failure in an orthopedic surgery centers can almost always be traced to a lack of understanding at the start of the varying services that fall under the definition of "orthopedics," and the compensation required to cover costs," he says. "In fact, as a specialty, orthopedics has really evolved into an assortment of sub-specialties: shoulder, knee, hand, foot, ankle, spine, hip, elbow, as well as fracture and trauma care. That evolution has created opportunities for surgery centers; however, it also comes with inherent risks.
"Moreover, it is one of the few specialties where we see an abundance of cross-over specialists — services being delivered by more than one type of specialist," Mr. Kilton says. "For instance, hand surgery services are performed by general orthopedists, orthopedic hand specialists and even plastic surgeons trained in hand procedures. Spine surgery is performed by neurosurgeons as well as orthopedic spine surgeons; foot and ankle surgery is delivered by general orthopedists, orthopedic foot and ankle specialists and podiatrists. The variances in these services, the providers who deliver them and the state and commercial payor reimbursements all go into affecting the overall success of an ASC that delivers orthopedic care.
"The surgery center that assumes all orthopedics are the same will generally fall short of maximizing their success," he says.
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