This article was updated on 4/19/2024 to provide updated information.
Physician practices and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are struggling to recover to pre-pandemic numbers. As a result, previously independent locations are becoming more and more likely to join with hospital systems or are forced to consider private equity to stay afloat. These options may provide relief but eliminate the concept of physician independence. However, partnering with an MSO could be a viable alternative.
This can provide oversight and assistance while maintaining the independence physicians work so hard to achieve. Joining a Management Services Organization, or MSO, can also help alleviate business management problems and potentially reduce burnout and turnover. It allows you to keep your practice or center running smoothly without having to sell to a larger healthcare organization or private equity firm.
What is an MSO?
An MSO, or Management Services Organization, is a business model focused on alleviating workload on independent practices and ASCs. The MSO works to provide specialized services, allowing physicians and staff to spend more time caring for patients. The MSO provides a centralized platform for organization and services to participating centers and practices.
SCA Health offers multiple MSO options for interested physicians.
Why Partner With an MSO Now?
On March 28th, President Joe Biden proposed a $5.8 trillion budget to the United States Congress, detailing plans to address issues inside the healthcare system. However, as Becker’s Laura Dyrda reported, independent physicians and ASCs saw little for them in the plan.
Due to high rates of inflation and the increasing costs of staff salaries and necessary equipment, practices and ASCs face a significant burden on their bottom lines. However, an MSO can ensure you receive necessary assistance.
What Services Could I Receive From an MSO?
Through our service models, our partners receive access to over 300 specialized team members with expertise in:
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Financial Planning and Reporting
- Physician Recruitment and Retention
- Clinical and Operational Support
- Information Technology (IT)
- Human Resources
- Policy Advocacy
- Marketing and more
Additionally, utilizing these services can also reduce the effects of physician burnout. This is because a reduced workload creates less stress on tasks outside of the care of patients.
If I Partner with an MSO, Don’t I Have to Give Up My Independence?
Unlike partnering with hospital systems or private equity firms, working with a SCA Health MSO allows physicians to still retain control of their practice or ASC. Our main objective is to provide quality services that allow physicians to spend less time focused on business management and more time on providing high-quality care to patients.
How Can I Learn More About MSO Opportunities with SCA Health?
To learn more about SCA Health and our MSO partnership opportunities, please visit sca.health.
Resources:
Becker’s: https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-news/biden-s-5-8-trillion-budget-has-little-for-ascs-independent-physicians.html?utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter; https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/hospitals-wont-see-a-v-shaped-recovery.html
Tuscaloosa Surgery Center: https://tuscaloosasurgicalcenter.net/about-us/what-is-an-asc/
