Our parents and grandparents experienced healthcare in a straightforward way. They went to a doctor they respected, were treated for what was wrong, and didn't question the advice of their physician. They usually went to the doctor only when absolutely necessary and never dreamed of the fantastic array of options now available. Today, patients have access to a wide range of healthcare options. They can research their symptoms and choose when and where they want treatment. Things have changed in many ways, and your ASC has to keep up with these changes.

It’s been rough the last few years at Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Staff members have had to take on additional roles when associates have been quarantined. Staffing shortages across the country now make it necessary for staff to multitask in ways they’ve never had to before. Your ASC still has to run smoothly and care properly for your patients even when short-staffed. The burden can be crushing. Nurses and other health care professionals may feel overwhelmed working in this newly chaotic environment. To ease the burden and let your staff get back to the most essential duties, including patient care, invest in technologies that make life easier on the job.

Healthcare consumerism refers to the recent movement in the United States toward patients taking a more significant part in choosing their healthcare. With more options available and individuals taking the time to better educate themselves, Ambulatory Surgery Centers feel the impact. As patients become more involved in seeking cost-effective, safe, and efficient methods of treating medical conditions, ASCs have to find ways to ensure patients choose their facility. New ASCs open every year, and the competition for patients is fierce.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers are increasingly handling complex procedures, partly because patients are shopping around for the best options for elective procedures. With the rise in the complexity of specific procedures like total joint replacements, ASCs must ensure they provide exceptional care in line with the often lengthy and challenging procedures they perform. If your ASC has recently added more complex procedures to the surgeries it offers, now is the time to upgrade your ASC technology to meet your patients' needs and provide the best possible care.

Derek Smith, CEO of Mnet Health, is a proven executive who is passionate about the ability of technology to simplify and improve healthcare. He joined Mnet in May of 2021 to continue on the mission of addressing the critical issue of healthcare provider reimbursement. After the recent acquisition of One Medical Passport, Derek plans to expand this mission and vision by also providing facilities with state-of-the-art software solutions. 

"We're now offering this concierge support... and that support is really defined by keeping the patient in the forefront."

To learn more about Derek and his vision for the company, check out the video below! This is the first edition of our Derek's Corner series, so be sure to check back for more.

Introducing new technology in your Ambulatory Surgery Center can be a complex process. Some staff members may be resistant to change, others may be fearful of the learning curve. Successfully onboarding new technology relies on having your entire team on the same page and enthusiastic about the process. Here are our tips for making a smooth transition when your ASC onboards new technology like our patient tracking boards and vendor management software solutions.

An Ambulatory Surgery Center is only as successful as the satisfaction of its patients. Patients who are happy with how they are treated before, during, and after outpatient procedures are some of the best advertising your ASC can receive. Moving into 2022, consider how you can build on an already good patient experience and make it an excellent patient experience. 

It's the time of year when everyone is thinking about New Year's Resolutions and having goals for the coming year. Setting goals for the New Year promotes a positive atmosphere and encourages a team outlook at your ASC. Naturally, you want your goals for 2022 to also create positive surgical outcomes. But how do you determine a tangible goal or set of goals for your Ambulatory Surgery Center?

In December, having a surgical procedure is particularly stressful because most people are trying to get ready for the holidays. The added stress of preparing for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa can make going to an ASC even more difficult. Be sure your Ambulatory Surgery Center puts some fun holiday traditions in place to alleviate some of this. Creating a cheerful, holiday environment will help alleviate some of your patients' stress and contribute to a pleasanter working atmosphere for your staff.