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.

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.

Do your ASC patients know your expectations? COVID-19 has changed how all businesses operate, but none are as affected as the healthcare industry.

There were several unexpected issues in 2020 that have impacted the health care industry, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers in particular, in profound ways. If ASCs were paying attention, they have learned some valuable lessons to apply to the coming year to ensure they continue to operate smoothly.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective orthopedic procedures dropped about 61%, according to the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives. Postponing these elective surgeries has left a significant amount of revenue on the table. While general hospitals are still prioritizing COVID-19 treatment, ASCs have a perfect opportunity to increase their volume of elective procedures, such as total joint replacements. 

COVID-19 has rocked our world—from how we work to how we access healthcare to how we connect with each other. Recent research found that during the coronavirus pandemic, video chatting apps and social media website usage spiked significantly, in some cases up to 80%! What does that mean for older patients? Well, they probably are not as technologically disconnected as you might think. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic curve starts to flatten in some states, you are probably itching to ramp back up to full speed in your ASC. As we ease into a post-pandemic new normal, consider these tips for ramping up to full capacity post-COVID-19.  

As your ASC resumes surgeries, patients and staff members alike will likely have many questions about infection prevention and new safety measures. And to increase your culture of safety, reassuring and communicating with your employees and patients is crucial. 

Getting top talent in the door of your ASC is among the most critical priorities. However, the landscape of recruitment is changing. A recent survey found that 20% of ASC leaders planned to retire in the next three years. And replacing these leaders is becoming harder and harder, as many young surgeons are recruited directly after residency to large practices or hospitals. What can you do to recruit and retain top talent? 

All ASCs strive for top-notch quality and safety. But what if your employees don’t have the perception that you are trying to improve safety? Increasing safety culture starts by acknowledging the barriers and challenges.