AS I SEE IT


for services rendered and determine if complex cases are worth adding. When a surgery center approaches payers requesting coverage of more complex procedures,


payers might


request proof that the ASC can perform such cases at least as safely and effectively as hospitals. That is where quality metrics can come into play. An EMR with reporting capabilities makes it easy to gather quality data to share with payers and make the case for why the ASC deserves to add more complex cases to its managed care contract. Using data captured in office man- agement software, an ASC can more accurately calculate the overall costs of new orthopedics cases. These should include implants, instruments, staff time and operating room time. With this information in hand, the ASC can come to the contract negotiation table with a stronger understanding of how much reimbursement will be required to cover costs and provide a fair mar- gin of profit. Inventory management software can


deliver important financial benefits as well, especially when clinical and office software are on the same platform. Pref- erence cards can populate the supplies and implants required for a procedure into the nursing documentation. Once a case is performed, documented and discharged, the inventory management system can automatically update the quantity of supplies and implants avail- able. With this information, an ASC can effectively schedule the ordering and delivery of supplies and implants in a manner that helps ensure there is always adequate stock available while avoiding unnecessary spending associ- ated with rushed delivery. When it’s time for the ASC’s revenue


cycle staff to code and bill for these new cases, accurate and complete clinical documentation is imperative to ensur- ing timely submission of clean claims. An ASC’s office management software might be able to pull billable supplies, including implants, directly from the inventory management system.


ded images—on a mobile device allows them to complete operative notes and dictation outside the ASC. Physician


engagement platforms


also can help surgeons’ offices access information recorded by the ASC, including operative notes. Office staff can then complete surgeon billing, i.e., the professional fee, without needing to communicate with the ASC’s staff. The use of patient tracking technol-


By using technology, ASCs can better level the playing field, making the addition of complex cases simpler, safer and more successful.”


—Thomas Pinelli, Surgical Information Systems


Office management software that includes case-costing reports can help an ASC determine the total cost of a case. By running case costing reports, an ASC can assess the profitability of more com- plex orthopedic cases to decide whether to add them to its case mix.


Operational Efficiencies Finally, technology can provide improved operational efficiencies. Phy- sician and patient engagement solutions can entice existing and prospective orthopedic surgeons to bring their more complex cases to the facility. Technol- ogy also can play a significant role in the patient experience. For example, it can streamline completion of preopera- tive questionnaires and calculate finan- cial responsibility estimates. This can encourage positive reviews and recom- mendations to future patients. Physicians can use cloud-based tech- nology to complete their documentation requirements. The ability to access clin- ical documentation—including embed-


ogy, for example, tracking boards, can be a boon for staff and patient family mem- bers. For staff, tracking boards update to show the patient’s movement through the facility while delivering the essential information about patients required to help ensure a safe, high-quality surgical event. Tracking boards can enhance care coordination and team communication and help staff prepare to accommodate the potentially more complex needs of patients receiving more complex ortho- pedics procedures. Tracking boards also can help staff become more comfortable and familiar with case timing and pro- gression of complex procedures. A patient tracking board in the wait- ing area can keep family and friends informed about a patient’s progress throughout the surgical event. Since more complex procedures tend to take longer, the use of tracking boards can deliver ongoing solace to family and friends while reducing the frequency that visitors ask the ASC’s staff for patient updates.


Making the Complex Simpler The decision about whether to add more complex orthopedics cases should not be taken lightly. After all, as noted, more complex cases are often more dif- ficult and time-consuming than others. By using technology, ASCs can better level the playing field, making the addi- tion of complex cases simpler, safer and more successful.


Thomas Pinelli is the director of pro- duct management at Surgical Information Systems in Alpharetta, Georgia. Write him at tpinelli@sisfirst.com.


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