As the healthcare landscape shifts, ASCs are at the center of change.
Robert Nelson, PA-C, former executive director of Island Eye Surgicenter, joined Becker’s to offer two predictions on where ASCs may be headed next.
Editor’s note: This response has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Robert Nelson, PA-C. Former Executive Director of Island Eye Surgicenter (Westbury, N.Y.):
1. The share of cataract surgeries performed in ophthalmic ASCs—currently over 75%—is expected to keep growing, as ASCs offer the best value (and safest and most effective) for patients, physicians, and payers. Concurrently, due to an aging U.S. population, demand will continue to rise for cataract surgery. Reimbursement and regulatory pressures remain significant challenges.
2. Building an ASC requires major investment from physician owners, and as the economy stabilizes, there will likely be more activity on new ASCs and renovations, along with the consolidation of practices and ASCs by investors. M&As are likely to accelerate, including ownership of ASCs and care systems by insurance providers. This is a concerning issue relative to the concentration of power/control.
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