tect. “We started by looking for the right ophthalmic-specific architect firm and specifically one with extensive ASC experience,” says Betts, who over- saw development of the ASC in 2018. “Once you find that firm, they should be able to help guide you down the right path, providing recommendations based upon decisions made by other ASCs of a similar size, location and case mix. That will help set your foun- dation for your design plan.”
One of the most significant deci- sions you will need to make is deter- mining the size of the space. Base this primarily on committed surgical vol- ume, Blanck advises. If several sur- geons say they like the idea of build- ing an ASC with you but none show up when the work is supposed to begin, you will have wasted time and money. “Form a solid partnership first and then work with your partners to build a cen- ter to support everyone's volume.” Clayton adds, “The most important thing you can do when contemplating building your own ASC is a pro forma, and your pro forma must not be based on cases you hope to attract by building the ASC. It is critical that it be based on the surgical cases of those surgeons who will be contractually involved in the project and their true case numbers from the past couple of years.” Considering ophthalmology is a
growing specialty, Blanck suggests building with some future expansion in mind—but not too much. “This is a delicate balance. You do not want to overbuild. I have encountered physi- cians who have built huge facilities with several operating rooms (ORs), but they lack the volume to support the rooms. They can find themselves still not making an ROI many years in. I would rather be running at 80 percent capacity with strong mar- gins than 30 percent and just breaking even. Ideally, depending on your land or building, you should plan to have the ability to expand at a later date to accommodate expected growth.”
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