The challenge

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are an increasing priority for cardiovascular providers as they can offer a convenient and cost-effective surgery alternative for hospitals with capacity and reimbursement concerns. But to succeed, new ASCs must capture sufficient volumes, which is challenging for two reasons: 1. There is growing competition among traditional ASC providers, especially in states like Florida that have dissolved Certificate of Need (CON) laws. This makes securing and defending revenue a priority for organizations like AdventHealth, which operates in an increasingly fragmented ASC market. 2. Covid-19 shifted purchaser preferences and private equity interest in ASCs and care disruption. Specifically, consumers delayed or rethought elective care, payers encouraged alternate methods, and start-ups launched new products. This has added less traditional dimensions to ASC competition.

The organization

AdventHealth is a Christian faith-based, non-profit health system with over 50 acute care facilities across 9 states, including 28 campuses in Florida.

The approach

AdventHealth’s Heart, Lung, and Vascular Institute adjusted their ambulatory strategy over the last three years to better contend with new competitors following the dissolution of Florida’s Certificate of Need (CON) laws. AdventHealth initially launched a hybrid office-based lab (OBL)/ASC, then tailored their CV ASC strategy to match new market and organizational needs.

The result

AdventHealth projects a first-year capture of roughly 1,100 cases at each of its two new ASCs—including peripheral vascular, electrophysiology, and coronary services. This is in addition to the 19% increase in cases already projected at their initial CV OBL/ASC, where AdventHealth is a minority owner.