At the 11th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference on June 14, John Peloza, MD, director at the Center for Spine Care, presented on how to begin performing spine surgeries in ASCs.
In a session titled “Getting Started With Spine Surgery in ASCs: 6 Key Concepts,” he outlined his six-point strategy for developing a thriving program.
1. Minimally invasive spine surgeons. Surgeons looking to develop a spine ASC must find other surgeons and staff members who are the right fit. Keep in mind what types of procedures will be performed and who has the training and ability to handle the cases.
2. Equipment. MIS procedures may require additional equipment than what a surgery center all ready carries. Consider investing in tubular retractor systems, instruments sets, O arms and C arms for imaging and more.
3. Anesthesiologists. The right anesthesiology group is needed for the complexity of sedating patients during ASC procedures. Your anesthesiologists will need to be technically good and well-versed with spinal epidurals and pain management, including post-operative pain control.
4. Staffing. Staff members can make or break the surgery center experience for patients. Look for staff members with spine experience, and clinical directors who are familiar with ASCs, organized and effective leaders.
5. Radiology. On-site, efficient MRIs and CT scans will make your spine center a one-stop shop for patients and keep their costs down.
6. Convalescent center. Having a center for overnight care can be a great asset for a spine center. Depending on state laws, this center could expand your case load, decrease incidence of transfers and eliminate the additional cost of a "medical hotel."
1. Minimally invasive spine surgeons. Surgeons looking to develop a spine ASC must find other surgeons and staff members who are the right fit. Keep in mind what types of procedures will be performed and who has the training and ability to handle the cases.
2. Equipment. MIS procedures may require additional equipment than what a surgery center all ready carries. Consider investing in tubular retractor systems, instruments sets, O arms and C arms for imaging and more.
3. Anesthesiologists. The right anesthesiology group is needed for the complexity of sedating patients during ASC procedures. Your anesthesiologists will need to be technically good and well-versed with spinal epidurals and pain management, including post-operative pain control.
4. Staffing. Staff members can make or break the surgery center experience for patients. Look for staff members with spine experience, and clinical directors who are familiar with ASCs, organized and effective leaders.
5. Radiology. On-site, efficient MRIs and CT scans will make your spine center a one-stop shop for patients and keep their costs down.
6. Convalescent center. Having a center for overnight care can be a great asset for a spine center. Depending on state laws, this center could expand your case load, decrease incidence of transfers and eliminate the additional cost of a "medical hotel."