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3 reasons why spine surgery will continue moving to ambulatory surgery center settings

By Admin | June 10, 2021

Currently, there are more than 160 outpatient spine surgery facilities in the U.S., and the spine Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) market is expected to grow 200%¹ over the next few years.

While setting up a spine program at your ASC is complex due to the nature of the procedures and the high-cost structure associated with equipment, devices and other factors, now is a prime time for ASC administrators to establish a spine program to accommodate patient demand. All major stakeholders — doctors, patients, payers — cite improved outcomes and cost savings, and therefore are becoming increasingly comfortable with the migration of procedures into ASCs. Here are important considerations for spine ASC administrators to ensure spine surgery centers are set up for success:

1. More types of spine procedures are moving to ASC settings.
   As more types of spine procedures are performed in an Ambulatory Surgery Center, safety measures and protocols are making it possible for them to be performed outside of a traditional hospital setting. In 2020, Medicare moved six procedures off its inpatient only list, but they have not yet moved to the ASC-approved list. This move demonstrates the continual migration of acceptance of procedures that were once thought to only be possible in an inpatient setting.
   
   
2. Infection rates are lower in outpatient facilities than in hospitals.
   As more spine procedures have been performed in outpatient settings, major stakeholders have recognized the benefits. Minimally invasive techniques and technology have quickly advanced, making it possible for spine surgery to be done...(More)

For more info please read, 3 reasons why spine surgery will continue moving to ambulatory surgery center settings, by ASC Review