By Healthcare Facilities Today

The facilities department can provide important strategic information that should be considered prior to a hospital embarking on an ambulatory surgery center joint venture. An article in Becker's Hospital Review goes over some of the strategic points hospital executives should understand when pursuing such a venture and facilities executives can provide expertise to the C-suite on several points.  

First, location. A big part of finding success in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) joint venture is understanding where the competition is located and using geography to cut into their market share. As an example, if a competitor places a hospital north of your facility, place the ASC north of their hospital to funnel surgical patients from that area to your facilities first, says the article. The location of surgeons a hospital would want to recruit would also be considered when placing the ASC.

Second, finances. In order to be part owner of a surgical center, a hospital will need the funds to build it, equip it and operate it. Facility executives can be part of the conversation on what the needs of the current portfolio are and if funds can extend to additional square footage. If the hospital will not be managing the ASC, clear responsibilities for all parties must be delineated.

Capacity also comes into the mix. Deciding to pursue an ASC joint venture makes sense if a hospital is at or near operating room capacity within their current facilities. As part of deliberations, hospital CEOs should be made aware of future facilities plans for operating room capacity, either a decrease or increase.

Read the article.