This piece was last updated on 4/5/24 to reflect current information and statistics
Over the past several years, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have witnessed a remarkable surge in cardiovascular procedures. Avanza’s 2022 Key ASC Benchmarks and Industry Figures Report confirms this trend, identifying cardiology as the fastest-growing ASC specialty in the past year. This shift is linked to several factors. These include rising demand for cardiovascular treatments and the cost-effectiveness of performing these procedures in outpatient settings.
Although approximately 70% of cardiologists are currently employed by hospitals, many healthcare systems are increasingly closing or cutting service lines due to declining patient volumes and escalating costs. This trend presents a significant opportunity for ASCs to expand their offerings and attract skilled cardiovascular specialists. In addition, the lower costs associated with conducting cardiology procedures are assisting this migration to outpatient settings.
“In the near future we will see more orthopedic, spine and cardiac procedures in the ASC setting,” Cherise Brown, administrator of Andover (Kan.) Surgery Center, told Becker’s in a Sept. 22nd interview. She continued, “The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently added several cardiac procedures to the ASC covered procedure list. These include diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures, peripheral vascular interventions, and placement of pacemakers and defibrillators.”
As a result of these additions, single-specialty ASCs are seeing a surge in cardiology procedures. Avanza reports that cardiology, musculoskeletal and urology will experience the highest Medicare payment increases in 2022. With an annual ASC growth rate of 2.5 percent, more than 6,000 ASCs are already operating in the United States. Therefore, physicians are now seizing opportunities to establish new ASCs or include cardiology services into existing facilities.
SCA Health & You
SCA Health is working to ensure our physicians are informed and prepared as cardiology continues to move further into the ASC setting.
“Our clinical staff members have the skills and experience needed to start a cardiovascular program. Their skills range from licensing and accreditation to site surveys, emergency drills, equipment, and product selections,” Marty Taglauer, SCA Health Director of Cardiovascular Program Development told Becker’s. He continued, “We work closely with facilities to treat their first patients and then provide ongoing care.”
A proven track record of high-quality care has certainly solidified SCA Health as a leader in the cardiovascular space. The guidelines and best practices our highest-performing ASCs utilize ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible, regardless of location.
“SCA Health tracks benchmarks internally for quality, patient satisfaction and physician satisfaction,” Kami Dinkle, Director of Operations for SCA Health stated. She clarified, “if variances arise, we have processes in place to identify and address those quickly.” We have embraced a continuous improvement mindset and we have a network for information sharing.”
To learn more about how SCA Health can assist your center, click here.
Resources
Avanza: Benchmark Report
Becker’s: Cardiology is ASCs Next Big Thing; Movement of CV to Outpatient Setting; https://www.beckersasc.com/cardiology/the-specialty-rapidly-garnering-asc-interest.html
