The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are facing a series of challenges that are increasingly concerning for ASC owners. The pressures on ASCs are mounting as they contend with rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and shifts in patient preferences and care delivery models. For many ASC owners, the financial strain is becoming more pronounced due to disparities in Medicare payments and the significant increase in medical and surgical supply costs. Additionally, the consolidation of the industry is pushing more independent ASCs into partnerships with national operators, making it harder for smaller centers to compete and maintain autonomy. The staffing crisis, highlighted by the departure of thousands of anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, further complicates the situation for ASC owners, who are struggling to provide high-quality care amid a shrinking workforce. With facility fees at hospitals significantly higher than at ASCs, and the growing preference for hospital outpatient departments for certain procedures, ASC owners are also facing increased competition that threatens their market share and profitability. These trends and figures underscore the urgency for ASC owners to adapt to these changes, as the sustainability of their centers depends on navigating this complex and challenging environment.
Here are 10 figures that are causing concern for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) right now:
70%: From 2001 to 2023, Medicare hospital payments increased by 70%. In contrast, Medicare physician payments have only risen by 9% during the same period, according to the American Medical Association.
82%: The Medical Group Management Association reported that the cost of medical and surgical supplies per full-time physician increased by 82% from 2022 to 2023.
2,872: A report from Definitive Healthcare revealed that 2,872 anesthesiologists left the workforce between 2021 and 2022.
43%: According to a survey by OR Manager, 43% of ASCs had an operating budget of $3 million or more in 2023, up from 32% the previous year.
6.8 percentage points: A study published in Science Direct on July 25 showed a 6.8 percentage point increase in the use of hospital outpatient departments for colonoscopies instead of ASCs following vertical integration.
52: VMG Health reported that 52 ASCs moved from being independent to being under partnership with a national operator between 2021 and 2022. This trend is likely to continue as increasing costs challenge independent ASCs to achieve economies of scale.
47,724: Definitive Healthcare's "Addressing the Healthcare Staffing Shortage" report indicated that 47,724 nurse practitioners and physician assistants left the workforce between 2021 and 2022.
55%: A study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, published in JAMA Health Forum in May 2023, found that facility fees for colonoscopy procedures covered by private health insurance are 55% higher at hospitals than at ASCs.
47%: The OR Manager survey also reported that 47% of ASCs saw an increase in their operating budgets over the last year, while only 12% experienced a decrease.
More than 108,700: A report by Avalere highlighted that over 108,700 physicians left private practice for employment opportunities between 2019 and 2021.
These statistics highlight the mounting pressures on ASCs, from increased operational costs and staffing shortages to competitive financial dynamics and evolving healthcare delivery models.
How Marisa Consulting Can Help Concerning ASC Owners
Marisa Consulting can help ASC owners navigate the complex challenges they face by providing comprehensive support in key areas. We enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs through in-depth assessments that identify inefficiencies and opportunities for savings, such as optimizing supply chain management and streamlining administrative processes. Our expertise in revenue cycle management helps ASCs maximize their financial performance by improving billing and collections, reducing claim denials, and ensuring steady cash flow. Additionally, we assist in tackling staffing shortages by offering strategic recruitment and retention solutions, along with professional development programs to build a strong, stable workforce. By focusing on these critical areas, Marisa Consulting empowers ASC owners to adapt to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape and sustain long-term success.
Comments