Robotics, AI and reimbursement shifts influence ASC expansion

Editor's Note

ASC growth continues to evolve, and over the next decade technology will significantly enable this continued growth, according to experts interviewed in a November 13 news story in Ambulatory Surgery Center News. Specifically, they noted a focus on robotics and AI to support a smooth transition for more procedures traditionally handled as in-patient to be moved to the outpatient setting.

This smooth transition could involve technologies that lessen staffing challenges, including physician shortages, one expert in the story shared. ASC leaders are looking toward technology solutions that can handle tasks traditionally handled by physicians and nurses to support clinician time for providing direct patient care, especially for higher-acuity patients and procedures. These procedures are including growth in cardiology and spinal orthopedic procedures historically limited to the inpatient setting, with the move supported through factors such as technology advances and reimbursement shifts, per the story.

Another trend the experts noted was how and where the physical space for ASC expansion is developing. For example, they noted increased activity in converting medical facilities and offices into ambulatory surgery care settings, which is largely due to cost savings compared to ground-up development.