It can be confusing for surgery patients to know what their options are, and what’s going to be in their best interest. Knowing the benefits of outpatient surgery centers over traditional hospital stays can help patients make better informed decisions when it comes down to selecting one or the other.

Shorter Stays with Faster Recovery

Who enjoys staying in a hospital? Most people don’t. Hospital stays keep patients away from their familiar environments, and away from the comfort of home. One of the well-known factors that affects a patient’s satisfaction and overall experience is the length of stay in a facility after surgery. Generally speaking, outpatient surgery centers tend to have a much shorter stay than hospitals. The length of stay is variable, depending on the condition of the patient, type of procedure done, anesthesia, and policy of the outpatient center. Shorter stays means patients can comfortably recover at home with family by their side.

Well-Being of Patients

Lengthy hospital stays can deteriorate the emotional well being of patients, leading to depression, isolation from family, and anxiety. A major benefit of outpatient surgery centers is the ability for patients to recover at home vs in a hospital setting. Being surrounded by a loving, supportive family, without the continuous vital checks and visits from nurses, allows patients to recover at ease. 

Lower Cost

A primary advantage of outpatient surgery centers (OSC) over hospital outpatient departments is the significantly lower cost of procedures, regardless of the insurance provider. This can be said for most all procedures offered in outpatient surgery centers. Patients who are eligible to have procedures done in outpatient surgery centers are typically in better health standing, not needing complex operations, and do not require extensive recovery times. Without a doubt, OSCs give patients and insurers a huge break when it comes to costs. 

Individualized Care

Outpatient surgery centers have set hours of operation due their implemented scheduling, and specialized care. This is in contrast to hospitals which remain open 24/7 to accommodate emergency visits. Staff at OSCs are more consistent and available, meaning that the originally assigned nurses and doctors will most likely be the ones who the patient sees for the procedure. Highly personalized service at OSCs is a huge relief for patients and staff, since everyone likes stability and reliable scheduling. At hospitals, doctors and nurses commonly face emergency visits that require immediate care. Due to this, previously scheduled surgeries may be rescheduled, or assigned to a different doctor last minute. OSCs have the benefit of maintaining fixed schedules without delays or changes. 

Qualified Providers

Patient satisfaction and reviews for OSCs are usually very high compared to hospitals, due to numerous factors. One of those factors is the high level of quality and care received. OSCs are much smaller-scale facilities than hospitals, and can provide a more personalized provider-patient relationship. All physicians, specialists, and staff at OSCs follow state and federal guidelines in regards to certification, accreditation, and standard of care. State licensure, regular evaluations, and facility inspections are regulated by state entities. Physicians, nurses, and specialists at OSCs enjoy the freedom of providing individualized care without the pressure of an over demanding schedule. Patients can rest assured that they are being well taken care of by highly qualified staff.

Conclusion

Outpatient surgery centers are gradually becoming the new norm for surgical services across the nation. OCSs serve as a viable solution to a costly healthcare system, along with easing the financial burden on patients and insurance payers. Shorter stays post-surgery improves the mental and emotional well being of patients and their family members. Individualized care and qualified, reliable teams providing services at OSCs, are key factors in high patient satisfaction rates. Overall, the benefits of outpatient surgery centers outweighs those of hospitals in countless ways.

The post What are the Benefits of an Outpatient Surgery Center? first appeared on Practice Partners.

Clients commonly ask the question, why an ambulatory surgery center?  You may have had this same question in mind as well. Let’s go over 3 main reasons patients select ambulatory surgery centers over hospitals for their procedures.  

1. Patients want more one-on-one time with doctors and care providers. In typical hospital settings, doctors, nurses and staff dash from room to room trying to keep up  with vitals and patient care. A lot of times, due to this, patients don’t receive the personalized care they’re desiring. With an ambulatory surgery center, the ratio of patients to a doctor is lower, and set to maximize personal engagement time with patients. This in effect results in much higher patient satisfaction. 

2. Cost Effectiveness is a well-known advantage of selecting ambulatory surgery centers. Commonly, patients find the cost to be cut in half when having their procedures performed at an outpatient surgery center. 

3. Cutting edge technology and well-trained specialists at ambulatory surgery centers lets patients rest assured that they’re getting the best treatment available. Board certified doctors and dedicated staff are given the tools and time needed to provide top patient care. 

So, now that we’ve gone over why an ambulatory surgery center?… you’ll be better able to make your selection based on understanding.  More personal engagement, saving money, receiving the most advanced care and satisfaction are a few of the answers to why an ambulatory surgery center?

The post Why an Ambulatory Surgery Center? first appeared on Practice Partners.

Phase 1- Project Introduction

                Initial meeting with core physicians

                Identification of key needs and goals of physicians

                Assessment of market dynamics – competition, regulatory hurdles, etc.

Phase 2- Feasibility Study

                Execution of confidentiality agreement

                Collection of case/procedure volume, CPT codes and payor mix of physician investors

                Development of initial proforma

                Estimation of project cost, scope and viability

                Second meetings with core physician to discuss key assumptions – case utilizations, type and expense

                Interview and solicit bids from architect & contractors

                Revise proforma with based on feedback

                Identify potential ASC locations

Phase 3 – ASC Contractual Documents

                Initial drafts of partnership documents submitted to investors (operating, management and billing agreements)

                Revisions to partnership documents

                Execution of documents

Phase 4 – Site Selection

                Finalize site selection

                Interview and solicit bids from Architect & Contractors

                Architect and Contractor selection

                Initial draft of ASC floor plan and approval by partnership

                Finalize ASC floor plan

                Initiate construction

Practice Partners development model, designed to flex into any organizational structure, is focused solely on how to best respond to your ambulatory surgery center needs.  Physicians hold up to 85% equity and maintain control over financial and operational aspects of the Center.  We provide development services with no cost to the ASC partnership and our senior leadership team is hands-on, working with the hospital and/or physician investors and the facility staff to build a culture of inclusiveness that instills trust, respect and accountability.

Learn more about our development services at https://practicepartners.org/ppservices/surgery-center-development/.

The post Steps to Establish an Ambulatory Surgery Center first appeared on Practice Partners.

1. Follow your physician’s instructions about not eating or drinking before your surgery or procedure.
2. Complete required documents and bring them with you to inform your doctor of medications, supplements, medical history, etc.
3. Dress appropriately. Do not wear any makeup, contact lenses, nail polish, perfume, lotion, jewelry and/or valuables. People also prefer to wear loose fitting clothing that can be easily changed.
4. You will need an adult driver with you and he/she must stay throughout the entire procedure.

Making going home safer:

1. Get discharge instructions that cover diet, medications, and activities you should/shouldn’t do. Make sure you know about all follow up appointments and who to call if you have problems or questions.
2. Your blood pressure and temperature should be normal before discharge. Make sure that your pain and nausea are also under control.
3. Have someone that is able to help you once you arrive home. For most procedures you will want someone there as least initially to help performing tasks. More complicated procedures may require additional help.
4. When you receive a follow up call from the center, pass on all information. Tell them of things such as nausea, fever, bleeding, uncontrollable pain or the inability to use the bathroom.

The post A Patients Guide to Before and After Surgery at an ASC first appeared on Practice Partners.

Complex procedures such as hysterectomies, total joint replacements, and spine surgeries are becoming more common in ASCs. When recommended to have a procedure in an ASC, patients might wonder if this is the best option for them.

Orthopedic Reviews estimated in 2016 an average cost savings from 17.6 percent to 57.6 percent associated with orthopedic outpatient procedures compared to similar procedures performed in the hospital. ASCA concluded that knee arthroscopy patients could save $1,275 in out-of-pocket costs by choosing to have their procedure in an ASC as opposed to a hospital outpatient facility. Only 48 percent of all surgical procedures approved to be performed in an ASC are actually performed in one. If the other 52 percent were performed at ASCs, $41 billion could be saved annually.

Another benefit to receiving surgery outside the hospital setting is that it is potentially safer and cleaner. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2010 approximately 8.95 in 1,000 patients developed a surgical site infection (SSI) in the hospital setting. However, only 4.84 in 1,000 patients who had surgery at an ASC developed an SSI requiring inpatient treatment within 30 days of surgery.

In ASCs, physicians are able to schedule procedures more conveniently, assemble teams of highly qualified staff, ensure the best equipment for their techniques are being used and design facilities to their specialties and to fit the needs of their patients. This means that physicians have more control over their work atmosphere and the quality of care than that is provided to them at hospitals. The first ASC was created because physicians were seeking a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to inpatient hospital care.

If you are in good health, having your procedure at an ASC may work for you. Talk with your doctor about what is the best option for you and check with your health insurer to determine if it will cost you more out-of-pocket to have your procedure at an ASC versus a hospital.

The post Advantages of ASC vs Hospital Based Procedures first appeared on Practice Partners.

Motivated by their effort to provide convenient, cost-effective surgical services, Dr. Walls Reed and Dr. John Ford opened the first free-standing ambulatory surgery center in 1970.  Five surgeons performed procedures on the first day, with four of the procedures requiring general anesthesia.

Each year, physicians perform more than 23 million procedures in ASCs. Common procedures include:

• Cataract Surgery
• GI Endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Spinal Injections
• Cystoscopy
• Lithotripsy
• Circumcision
• Post Cataract Laser Surgery
• Knee Arthroscopy/Meniscectomy
• Carpal Tunnel Release
• ACL Reconstruction
• Rotator Cuff Repair

Typical procedures performed in an ASC setting are less complex than those in a hospital setting. However, procedures such as hysterectomies, total joint replacements, and spine surgeries are becoming more common in the ASC with great success.

ASCs provide only elective procedures.  Patients first see their primary or surgical provider and select surgery as the best treatment option for their condition.

Today there are approximately 5,500 ASCs across the United States. ASCs are highly regulated through state licensure, Medicare certification, and accreditation. They are committed to efficient quality care, convenience, and patient satisfaction. Patients indicate high patient satisfaction rates at ASCs because of lower costs, high-quality of care, ease of scheduling and greater personal attention to detail.

Practice Partners in Healthcare, Inc. (“PPH”) is a developer, manager and minority equity share holder in Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Learn more about us at practicepartners.org.

The post What is an ASC? first appeared on Practice Partners.

To carry out fully, to perform properly or skillfully the task required to complete instructions or a plan.

Practice Partners’ focus is on de novo surgery centers or taking your existing surgery center to the next level of success.  A de novo or turn-around ASC project requires Vision, Acumen, Leadership and Understanding, and most importantly the ability to Execute on the business plan, which is where Practice Partners will go beyond your expectations.

Identifying and delivering on crucial areas of importance assures speed to market.  Remaining focused on these areas makes the development process smooth and productive:

• Proforma evidence of positive return on investment
• Staffing schedule during ramp-up stage to mirror surgery schedule
• Physician and staff credentialing
• Accreditation survey readiness
• Managed care contracting
• Accounting systems
• Inventory turn schedule
• Surgery schedule efficiencies

The post PPH VALUE Week | Day 5 | Execute first appeared on Practice Partners.

Knowledge of or familiarity with a particular thing or skill in dealing with or handling something

Practice Partners knows the ASC industry, but more importantly, we understand the industry.  Combining industry intelligence with an understanding of your vision and expectations, we develop a strategy that integrates your practice with your surgery center for long-term success.

Understanding that each surgery center is as unique as a thumbprint, we take into consideration the following areas:

• ASC ownership structure – physician or physician/hospital joint venture
• State CON requirements
• Local healthcare market dynamics
• Managed care environment, major payors, open network availability
• Physician recruitment potential
• Hospital relationships and potential joint venture opportunities

The post PPH VALUE Week | Day 4 | Understanding first appeared on Practice Partners.

An act or instance of leading, guidance or direction. 

Leading by example, Practice Partners has developed a hands-on leadership culture by being involved in day-to-day operational aspects of every surgery center. We focus intently on open communication and leading physician and hospital system partners through the development and operational decisions that result in speed to market, high quality of care and reduces cost.

In the ever-changing healthcare environment, we face challenges with a positive outlook and commitment to the surgeons and hospital partners. Our leadership style allows us to:

• Energize our staff with a positive attitude to provide the highest level of care in the lowest cost environment.
• Put physicians first, encouraging their input in operational and financial decisions. This philosophy ultimately leads to patient care being our number one initiative.
• Execute on key initiatives. Very simply, we get things done.
• Work where our passion lies, with physicians and hospital systems contributing to the betterment of the healthcare industry.

The post PPH VALUE WEEK | Day 3 | Leadership first appeared on Practice Partners.

Keen insight. 

The Practice Partners senior leadership team has the business acumen to understand how all the moving parts work together in a successful surgery center.  We combine your vision with our expertise and industry insight to develop and operate a surgery center with financial and clinical success.

Practice Partners’ Acumen benefits physician and hospital partners through consistent communication around the following areas of expertise:

• Industry acumen to guide our centers through regulatory, accreditation, compliance and reimbursement challenges.
• Financial acumen to develop and operate centers that are efficient while providing high patient satisfaction.
• Operational and clinical expertise to manage staffing, operating room turns, life safety and infection control.

The post PPH VALUE WEEK | Day 2 | Acumen first appeared on Practice Partners.