Covid-19 keeps coming in waves, causing confusion and concern for patients and ASCs alike. Patients try to keep up with shifting, sometimes conflicting, information from the CDC, state and local officials, and their physicians. As a result, many ASC  patients are incredibly stressed now that the Delta variant is spiking. Keeping patients satisfied while maintaining a healthy ASC environment is complicated. Still, there are ways to make sure you uphold the highest safety standards and reduce your patients' confusion and worry.

An aging population and a rise in gastrointestinal issues in the population have both increased the need for endoscopic procedures that are safe and affordable. Ambulatory Surgery Centers are poised to step in and fill the need. However, there are vital factors that contribute to the success of GI/Endo programs in ASCs.

The administrators of Ambulatory Surgery Centers are tasked with, among many other duties, making sure the staff at ASCs perform their jobs with confidence and professionalism. There are several steps administrators can take to foster a positive environment for the ASC staff and maintain a professional, positive environment.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers have been expanding their reach over the years, taking on a wider range of out-patient surgeries and specialty procedures. These include total joint replacements, ophthalmological procedures, GI procedures, and biopsies. It’s undeniable that doing more procedures at ASCs benefits the surgeons and staff at these facilities, but it’s also a great boon for patients, who benefit in many ways from the option of having procedures done at ASCs.

Patients considering elective surgery often have questions about why they should choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center over a hospital for outpatient surgery. Many aren't sure exactly what "ambulatory surgery" means and how it differs. Being able to explain the similarities and differences clearly can be a great selling point for your ASC and put patients at ease.

Happy National Nurses Day from the One Medical Passport Family. 

Revenue may be up at your Ambulatory Surgery Center, but cash flow may still be tight. Revenue is a long-term measure, while cash flow has a daily impact on your facility. To improve cash flow, focus on day-to-day operational costs. Part of the solution is found in how you handle patient payments; if patients drag their feet before getting around to paying for procedures, cash flow can get tight quickly. Here are some tips to increase cash flow at your ASC in 2021. 

It's summertime, when most people think about vacations and enjoying the weather, not having outpatient surgery. Keep the revenue at your ASC from taking a nosedive during the summer months by focusing on ways to keep your facility operating at total capacity and ensure prompt, full payment for procedures.

Attracting and retaining the best physicians is a constant process. You can do several things to help you garner interest from outstanding physicians in your area and maintain those associations. 

Communication is a two-way street. It’s crucial for patients and staff of ambulatory surgery centers, ensuring positive outcomes. Efficient and effective patient communication can be challenging to establish with some patients, who may be resistant to talking about medical problems or feel uncomfortable with ASC staff. Patients may also be worried or fearful, which can shut down communication. There are ways to improve patient communication with a few simple adjustments in your ASC routines.