Here's an excerpt from a piece in Becker's ASC Review quoting me on the effect ACO development and other health reform environmental changes are likely to have on ambulatory surgery centers, and how ASCs can position themsleves for future success:
Here are six steps for surgery centers to participate in new payment models.
1. Figure out how to participate in ACOs productively. ACOs are becoming more common in different healthcare markets across the country and ambulatory surgery centers need to figure out how they can most productively participate. First and foremost, they should leverage the relationships they have with hospitals and physician groups for a seat at the table during the ACO formation.
"There is clearly a place for physician led ACOs because we are talking about developing systems to control costs that are ultimately directed by physician order," says David Harlow, principal at The Harlow Group, a healthcare law and consulting firm. "There is an opportunity for physician-led ASCs to participate in ACOs and benefit from the payment incentives that are included in the program simply because of the ability to improve quality and reduce costs over a baseline period, and that could fall to the ASC's bottom line."
Integration will be easier if the ACO is physician-led. Hospital-led ACOs may focus on filling hospital ORs; however, surgery centers also have partnership options if the ACO is hospital-led.
Follow the link to read about the other five.
For related information, check out the 2013 Medicare rate regulation for ASCs and my recent post on accountable care organizations and health reform after the election.
David Harlow
The Harlow Group LLC
Health Care Law and Consulting
I definitely agree, physician-led ACOs are an enormous opportunity for surgery centers. Great articles on ASC!