8 tips to help ASC Management

Managing an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) can be challenging, but following these best practices can make the job more manageable and productive.

1. Identify Your Physician Champion

While an effective ASC manager can accomplish much independently, having additional leadership support is beneficial, especially when issues require physician or board involvement. A "physician champion" can assist in overcoming communication issues and other obstacles between the manager and the physicians or board members. This champion should be respected by peers, be an effective communicator, and be knowledgeable about ASC operations. Ideally, they should also serve on the board to facilitate smoother communications and gain respect from board members.

2. Keep Governing Board Meetings to One Hour

Governing board meetings are crucial for regulatory compliance, problem-solving, and planning. To keep board members engaged and productive, schedule these meetings for one hour and adhere strictly to this time frame. Starting and ending on time ensures that board members remain active participants and that meetings are seen as well-managed and efficient.

3. Never Present a Problem without a solution

ASC managers should handle day-to-day issues but bring more significant problems to the governing board. When presenting an issue, provide a concise summary supported by graphics if needed and suggest possible solutions. Ideally supported by the physician champion, this preparation helps facilitate productive discussions and decision-making. Use common quality improvement theories, much like Focus PDCA or even a root and cause analysis to spearhead your solutions.

4. Utilize Social Media for Staff Recruitment

Social media is an effective tool for recruiting qualified professionals. Platforms often allow job postings for free or a fee to extend reach. Additionally, joining professional groups on social media can help share job openings with a broader audience. Encourage current staff to share job postings on social media to increase visibility.

5. Obtain Recruitment Recommendations from Staff and Anesthesia Providers & Offer Referral Bonuses

Existing staff and physicians can be valuable resources for finding new hires. Anesthesia providers, who often work at multiple facilities, may know professionals considering new opportunities. Leveraging these networks can help identify strong candidates for open positions.

6. Don't Micromanage Staff

Explain tasks clearly, set expectations and deadlines, and provide necessary resources. Trust staff to complete their work without constant supervision. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their performance, leading to better outcomes and efficiency.

7. Set Achievable Expectations

Managing a successful ASC requires high-performance levels to deliver excellent outcomes at a sustainable cost. Managers should set high expectations, communicate staff's roles in achieving success, and hold staff accountable. Providing support and resources helps staff meet these expectations and reach their potential.

8. Invest in the Right ASC Management Technology

Investing in specialized ASC management technology can significantly improve efficiency and performance. SIS Complete can enhance scheduling, documentation, revenue cycle management, and team communication. An analytics solution can help managers identify areas for improvement and understand operational trends. The right technology ensures staff perform at their best, leading to happier physicians and better patient care, which reflects the manager's success.

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