Facing rising costs, staffing shortages, and mounting payer pressure, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are aggressively sharpening their competitive edge to secure financial sustainability in today’s market. Recently, eight leading ASC executives shared their top strategies with Becker’s, providing valuable insights for organizations navigating these challenges.

Themes from Becker’s ASC Leaders:

• Operational Efficiency:
  Leaders emphasized the urgent need to optimize operational challenges—particularly around supply utilization, staffing shortages, and rising costs for implants and anesthesia. Tactics like lean management, process automation, and trusted vendor partnerships (such as the Stryker Mako 4.0 robotic integration) are proving central to growth and resilience.

• Outpatient Growth and Innovation:
  Expanding outpatient capabilities and cardiac services was a dominant focus. Physician-led cardiology microhospital platforms are emerging to deliver high-quality care aligned with both payer incentives and patient preferences—enhancing access and efficiency in the ASC environment.

• Data-Driven Management & Workforce Development:
  Organizations are leveraging data analytics to optimize operations and inform strategic planning. Simultaneously, investing in workforce growth, partnering with local nursing schools, and fostering a collaborative environment for anesthesiology ensures clinical excellence and staff retention.

• AI for Administrative and Patient Care:
  Artificial intelligence is rapidly being integrated into ASC daily operations. Panelists reported deploying AI for preoperative and postoperative communications, automating routine tasks, identifying patient risks, and streamlining administrative billing processes. These advancements help reduce burnout, improve safety, and allow clinical staff to focus on direct patient care.

• Payer Partnerships & Regulatory Readiness:
  Strengthening relationships with payers and physicians, preparing for CMS regulatory changes, and negotiating better contracts are critical for long-term stability. Bundled payment models for advanced spine procedures and adapting to new CMS codes are at the forefront of financial planning.

• Cost Management and Technological Integration:
  Ongoing efforts include analyzing purchasing channels to cut disposable and implant costs, full HER adoption, and the use of advanced applications to boost efficiency and reduce duplication.

• Succession Planning and Strategic Specialty Growth:
  Panelists are also prioritizing proactive surgeon recruitment and succession planning, especially in specialties offering positive margins.

Key Takeaways for ASC Success:

• Embrace automation and technology for both administrative and clinical operations.

• Invest in workforce development and maintain a positive workplace culture to attract and retain talent.

• Expand outpatient and specialty services in line with payer incentives and evolving patient needs.

• Build strong partnerships with payers and remain proactive in regulatory matters.

• Prioritize cost management initiatives to sustain long-term growth.

As the ASC landscape continues to evolve, these expert strategies offer a road map for resilience and innovation in the face of financial and operational pressures. Becker’s ASC Review will keep spotlighting successful centers and new best practices—helping ASC leaders stay ahead in a dynamic healthcare ecosystem.

If you have comments or want to discuss your ASC’s priorities, reply to this newsletter—let’s keep advancing the ambulatory surgery conversation together.

Source: Becker’s spine Review