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Avanza Exclusive: Survey Answers Questions We’ve All Been Asking

Finally, we have answers! A groundbreaking survey of senior executives and clinical leaders at health systems and hospitals on hospital/physician ambulatory surgery center (ASC) joint ventures answers questions many healthcare leaders have been asking. The survey, sponsored by Avanza Healthcare Strategies and Clark Hill Strasburger and conducted by HealthLeaders Media, explored recent hospital-ASC trends, revealing key investment and partnership strategies.

According to the survey, hospitals and health systems are investing heavily in ASCs as an integral part of their outpatient surgical strategy. Forty-one percent of organizations own or are affiliated with a freestanding ASC, and two-thirds of those are joint ventures with physicians. Of those joint ventures, slightly more than half allow employed physicians to invest in the partnership.

HealthLeaders Media polled 109 senior executives and clinical leaders at health systems and hospitals across the United States and found that 93 percent of those that own or affiliate with an ASC operate one to four surgery centers. Additionally, nearly half (48%) of respondents anticipate making additional ASC investments/affiliations in the coming years. According to respondents, the business case for ASC investments is clear: greater market share, lower costs, improved physician engagement and more satisfied patients.

The data also show less than half (44%) of hospitals and health systems partner with third-party management companies, which often require an equity stake and long-term contracts. Most are internally managed without the help of outside equity partners. According to Joan Dentler, president and CEO of Avanza, “A sharp rise in hospitals and health systems seeking to invest in outpatient surgery centers underscores the need for careful planning and expertise in an increasingly competitive space, but providers do not need to give up a share of their business to obtain the help they need. Less costly and more flexible options are available.”

Download the complete report at AvanzaStrategies.com.

About Avanza Healthcare Strategies

For more than 20 years, Avanza Healthcare Strategies has been a strategic leader in the migration of surgery from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers. Avanza has helped ASCs, hospitals and health systems in more than 40 states plan for and open surgery centers, develop joint ventures and assess operations of existing ASCs and hospital outpatient surgical departments. Learn more about Avanza at AvanzaStrategies.com.

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