Ask Caryl: Predicting the Future of the ASC Industry
Q: What do you see as the future of the ambulatory surgery center industry based on reimbursement challenges and current regulatory requirements?
Caryl Serbin: The future for the ASC industry remains positive. As ASCs continue to be a less expensive, more cost-effective option for outpatient surgery, more and more hospitals are converting their outpatient departments (HOPDs) to freestanding ASCs as well as partnering with physicians in joint-venture (JV) ASCs.
Even though current reimbursement and regulatory restrictions are challenging, centers — both hospital JVs and independently owned ASCs — must pay close attention to clinical and financial revenue management, focusing on areas that include:
Increased efficiency
Cost cutting
Improved managed care contract negotiations
Optimized coding while remaining compliant
Increased collections/decreased days in accounts receivable (A/R)
Have an ASC revenue cycle question? Ask Caryl by emailing caryl@serbinmedicalbilling.com or fill out the form at the top of this page.
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