On Demand: Transitioning Care: A Phased Approach to CV ASC Development-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

The MedAxiom 2025 presentation "Building Smart: A Phased Approach to Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center (CV ASC) Development" outlines critical steps and considerations for health systems transitioning procedural cardiovascular care to ASCs. The trend toward outpatient surgical partnerships is growing, driven by factors like regulatory changes and CMS expanding ASC procedural approvals—including atrial ablations projected for 2026. Benefits of CV ASCs include increased efficiency, lowered costs, optimized staffing, enhanced patient access, and payer value.<br /><br />The phased development approach begins with due diligence: conservative procedure volume forecasting (considering clinical appropriateness, insurance, geography, hospital backfill, acuity, and waitlists), detailed capital and financial pro formas, and understanding nuanced state Certificate of Need (CON) laws—which are loosening nationwide but remain complex. Early awareness that Medicare reimbursement processes and payer contracting can be slow is vital.<br /><br />Investment and ownership models vary—from physician-owned to hospital partnerships and third-party arrangements—with governance and contracting details critical for success. Regulatory hurdles include state board and Medicare certification, accreditation by bodies like AAAHC or The Joint Commission, and demonstrating readiness with free cases. Patient selection criteria and safety protocols are emphasized as foundational to ASC success.<br /><br />Staffing models focusing on registered nurses (RN) and cardiovascular technologists, with defined roles and competencies, are key. Nurse-led sedation requires dedicated monitoring; anesthesia providers can reduce such demands. Operational excellence requires early definition of performance metrics covering clinical outcomes (e.g., ED transfers, complications), operational efficiency (e.g., procedure times, room utilization), and patient experience, with reporting aligned to ACC accreditation and NCDR registries.<br /><br />Key takeaways stress that CV ASCs represent a site-of-care shift demanding realistic planning, robust data, attention to governance, patient safety, financial patience in year one, and adaptable long-term strategies to ensure sustainability and care quality.

Keywords

Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center

CV ASC development

outpatient surgical partnerships

CMS procedural approvals

atrial ablations 2026

phased development approach

Certificate of Need laws

Medicare reimbursement

physician-owned ASC

patient safety protocols