Moderators: Michael P. Steinmetz, MD and Christopher A. Yeung, MD
Ambulatory care surgical centers, once frowned upon, are embraced by spine surgeons. Recent law passed by CMS regarding transparency, bundled payment lurking to follow and physician centered leadership have been some of the prime factors. CMS website on pay per procedure page directs patients towards ambulatory care surgery centers. Although there is insignificant difference between hospital-based outpatient vs ASC they payment burden on patients is different and can be almost double. The leadership in ASC is physician controlled and is quite receptive to change due to nonexistence of cumbersome approval process. This also improves care through specialization.
In this symposium, we discuss overview of ambulatory centers and their unique logistics. This will be followed experience from early adopters, ASC-Hospital based practice and completely hospital-based practice with pros and cons, billing and other benefits. We will also discuss the common procedures performed in ASC and procedures to dodge.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Functioning of ASC;
- Pros and Cons of Working in ASC;
- ASC vs Hospital-Based Practice vs Half-n-Half;
- Reimbursement Patterns for Medicare and Private Insurance;
- Adopting ASC in Practice;
- Common Surgeries Performed in ASC;
- Relevant Exit Strategy.
Agenda
Overview of ASC
Karthik Madhavan, MD
Efficiencies and Value with the ASC
Scott Raffa, MD
ASC Early Adopters: My First Case
Joseph R. Blyth, DO
Hospital-Based Practice: My Take on It
Michael P. Steinmetz, MD
ASC Practice: Is This the Best Environment?
Dawn Knight, MHA
Implants to Use in ASC vs Hospital-Based Surgery
Christopher A. Yeung, MD
Hospital-ASC Joint Ventures
John H. Peloza, MD