Things Every ASC Will Have To Lookout For To Be Successful in 2024

Title image for the blog on Challenges that Every ASC has to face in 2024

Ambulatory Service Centers (ASCs) are expecting growth in the year 2024, but this growth comes with challenges that administrators are likely to encounter. From staffing deficits to reimbursement concerns, the ability of ASCs to overcome these trends will define their effectiveness. Here is a breakdown of some of the trends that every ASC will need to consider to achieve a successful and sustainable year in 2024.

1. Anesthesia Provider Shortages

A concerning problem that ASCs will grapple with in 2024 is the provider shortage in anesthesia. Thus, low staff density and flatting reimbursement make ASCs reconsider the issue of anesthesia service provision.

Some centers, such as Walnut Creek’s BASS Surgery Center, are already developing such contingency measures. ASC leaders are also adopting the staffing model that employs anesthesia providers directly in a bid to retain their employees and offer them bonuses.

Key Takeaway: ASCs will have to consider other arrangements, either direct employment or contracts, to obtain reliable anesthesia services and prevent the high costs of disruption.

2. Staffing Costs and Labor Shortages

ASCs also reported persistent issues with higher labor costs and workforce scarcity and noted that it is challenging to find qualified nurses and surgical technologists. The research by ORManager in 2023 identifies staffing as the biggest concern in ASCs and reveals that 68% of ASCs have difficulty in hiring operating room nurses and 69% have a similar problem finding surgical technologists.

As we have seen, larger hospitals and healthcare systems have more financial muscle and larger staff establishments than ASCs and they are now recruiting the best talent and therefore ASCs are struggling to compete for the best staff. Thus, ASCs have to embrace innovative staffing strategies like Nurse Practitioners, telehealth, and AI technology to increase productivity.

Key Takeaway: ASCs should invest in technologies like electronic medical records (EMRs) and AI to optimize staff workflows, allowing them to “do more with less” while maintaining quality care. ASCs can also tend to private talent marketplaces like SkillGigs, where they can find exceptional talent in some clicks.

 

Still of an ASC operation theatre

 

3. Reimbursement Challenges

Securing adequate reimbursement remains a long-standing issue for ASCs. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved a 3.1% payment rate increase for ASCs, this adjustment fails to keep up with inflation, leaving many ASC leaders concerned about profitability in the coming year.

Another contentious issue is the comparison of reimbursement rates for services between HOPDs and ASCs; the amount charged in HOPDs is considerably higher. However, many ASCs are not receiving corresponding proportional payments, and their financial viability is at risk.

Key Takeaway: ASCs will have to fight for better payment terms and find ways to work efficiently and cheaply without negatively impacting patient care.

4. Adapting to New Technologies

To provide effective health care in 2024, ASCs must, therefore, remain progressive and use advanced technologies to enhance their functionality. AI, telehealth, and efficient EMR systems play a pivotal role in improving staff communication and minimizing less relevant tasks while delivering patient care.

Due to current financial constraints, ASCs need to invest in technologies that will help increase productivity and enable staff to practice at their full potential. AI can be used to automate administrative work better, leaving more time for clinicians to provide more valuable care.

Key Takeaway: Local ASCs that implement intelligent AI techniques alongside telehealth will be in a better position to optimise their workflow, enhance their revenue cycle, and, hence, enhance patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

ASCs hold a promising future ahead but the future is not without its risks and challenges. Looking to 2024, ASCs are likely to face challenges such as shortage in number of providers, increase in the cost of labor, reimbursement pressures and a growing incorporation of technology. When managing these trends, and making timely adjustments, ASCs are in a position to deliver the highest value care at lower cost.

In need of qualified healthcare personnel to staff your Ambulatory Surgical Center?
SkillGigs is the ideal marketplace for connecting with top talent. With our innovative two-way bidding system, you can find the right healthcare professionals faster and more efficiently. Visit SkillGigs today to streamline your staffing needs and ensure your ASC’s success in 2024!

 

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