From AI to robotic surgeries and EHR systems, technology continues to be a make-or-break factor in the survival and growth of ASCs.
Here is where ASC leaders and physicians stand in the race to acquire and implement developing technology in the industry.
Key technologies
ASC leaders have identified a few areas of technology as being particularly important for ASCs in the coming years, including:
Data analytics. “Advanced data gathering and analytics utilizing refined AI will give facilities and providers more granular, meaningful insight from operational and functional data, faster,” Tara Good-Young, CEO of PDI Surgery Center in Windsor, Calif., told Becker’s. “Enhanced speed and capabilities to scrape, sort, categorize and report data enables report production and review to happen closer to ‘real-time’ reducing the lag time between discovery and response to identified opportunities or hazards.”
Advanced surgical technology. “The growth of ASCs over the next five years will be tremendous. Orthopedically speaking, adding technology to current surgical techniques will be in the forefront,” Earl Kilbride, MD, orthopedic surgeon of Austin (Texas) Orthopedic Institute told Becker’s. “When it comes to total joint replacements, the use of robotics, computer assisted techniques and AI to determine outcomes will add value. A second technological advance will be the neuromodulation space. The implants will get smaller and the surgical techniques will get more efficient.”
Electronic health records. “I recognize that many people may see AI as the technology that will bring the most value to ASCs. However, I believe that the continued integration of electronic health records in the ASC setting is equally valuable,” Gina Taylor, RN, quality and accreditation program manager of Harris Health in Houston told Becker’s. “According to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, approximately 54.6% of ASCs reported using an EHR system.
I understand that cost can be a barrier for some ASCs, preventing them from implementing this technology. However, having an EHR in place allows for quicker access to patient information, improving patient care and helping to meet regulatory and accreditation requirements.”
Obstacles
Some leaders say that payer reimbursement policies are holding ASCs back from acquiring and implementing technology for procedures.
William Chey, MD, president-elect of American College of Gastroenterology and chief of the GI division at Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine, told Becker’s that reimbursement policies are hampering the adoption of new technologies in his specialty.
“Providers are forced to work with payers individually for any reimbursement, and payers will often deem new technology as ’emerging’ or ‘experimental,’” he said. “Then, they use it as rationale for denying coverage or providing an inadequate reimbursement for the practice’s expense and investment.”
Successful implementations, physicians on the cutting edge
1. Brentwood, Tenn.-based Surgery Partners, one of the largest ASC chains in the country, recently reported that they added 14 surgical robots to its portfolio in a March 4 earnings call.
2. Jeremy Shiner, founder and CEO of Myriad Systems, is developing AI-driven technologies to support practice management for independent physician groups. His company’s solutions specifically target revenue cycle management and clinical documentation and administrative work.
3. Tami Wacker, director of marketing, outreach and communications at Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico in Carlsbad, recently told Becker’s that her small, rural ASC has implemented automation-focused technologies across their operations.
“Given our rural location, automation technology is essential due to the limited availability of personnel. We utilize automated phone calls to remind patients of upcoming appointments and follow-up post-procedure instructions,” she said. “Artificial intelligence is increasingly vital, particularly in the billing and coding areas. Whereas spreadsheets and algorithms were previously sufficient for identifying coding issues, in the next five years, we are looking to AI systems not only to detect but also to correct these issues, thereby conserving valuable staff time. Additionally, our ASC is considering the implementation of a radio frequency ID system to improve inventory processing and monitor patient movement within the facility. This advancement will enable us to enhance value-based care and provide superior, patient-centered service.”
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