BLOG: How office-based surgery enhances the experience for surgeon, staff and patient
When our practice decided we wanted to make cataract and refractive surgeries more patient-friendly and efficient, adding an office-based surgical suite turned out to be the best decision we could make.
For years, our community was supported by a local hospital, which is where I performed all of my surgeries, until a tornado leveled the facility around 15 years ago. Thankfully, it was rebuilt but by a large conglomerate. Our local population once again had access to a regional care center, yet it came at a price: Compared with the previous independently owned institution, the new hospital group contains an element of onerous bureaucracy that often gets in the way of providing good quality and personalized care.
We investigated the idea of starting an ASC. Our thinking was that if we could gain greater control over scheduling and patients’ experiences, we could offer a service that was more aligned with the small-town values of our patients. However, that idea quickly proved cost prohibitive, largely due to the amount of regulatory oversight we would have to install. And so, what we ultimately settled on was to build out an office-based surgical (OBS) suite offering in a nearby building.
Now, on the day of surgery, instead of having to visit a bland, sterile environment and spending time around sick individuals, our patients visit a tastefully decorated and comfortable space. The physical setting sets the tone we prefer our patients to have prior to having their procedure: relaxed, friendly, inviting, personable, comfortable and with minimal stress. The feedback from patients has been resoundingly positive, and we have recognized several additional benefits, as well:
- Patient convenience. Our patients do not have to travel long distances to receive premium care. An OBS suite allows the surgical team to perform top-notch surgeries with zero compromise in a setting that is close to and familiar to the patient.
- Greater flexibility in scheduling. The local hospital offers blocks of time to surgeons, with add-ons available on a first-come, first-served basis. Under the old system, I could have a case at noon and then wait around until 8 p.m. for a slot to perform an add-on. With an OBS suite, I can add and remove cases with much greater flexibility or even add a surgical day if needed to clear any backlogs. It is far more convenient and efficient for the patient, myself and my team.
- Streamlined pre- and postop protocols. The local hospital requires patients to attend a preop appointment, which means additional time and travel. We can now handle the entire perioperative process in one setting that is closer to home.
- Control over variables. When I operate in my OBS suite, I am working with the same team every time. They know my preferences, and they know the patients, both of which add efficiency. I also control costs to a much greater extent because I can choose my vendors and manage my own inventory.
- Reduced stress and anxiety. This actually pertains to all stakeholders involved: Patients are more comfortable in an OBS suite, the staff is more engaged with patients, and the surgeon can achieve greater work-life balance because he or she is not traveling to multiple sites and waiting around to perform surgeries.
- Financial results. Based on our reimbursement levels, we have created a new profit center for our practice. In these days of professional fee cuts, it makes all the patient, doctor, and staff advantages even more appealing.
In medicine, the clinic the patient goes to is sometimes referred to as a medical home. It is a mindset that speaks to establishing relationships between patients and providers but where there is no compromise in the quality of care delivered. At our eye center, we pride ourselves on offering premium comprehensive care with a hometown personal touch. Adding an OBS suite really allows us to deliver on that goal, not just during routine clinical visits, but also before, during and after patients come to us for cataract and refractive procedures.
Collapse