On Demand: Transitioning Care: A Phased Approach to CV ASC Development-Webinar Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, led by Denise Bushman (MedAxium Care Transformation Services) and Katie Willerich (director of Care Transformation Analytics), explores a phased approach to developing cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), focusing on shifting appropriate cardiac procedures from hospitals to ASCs to improve patient outcomes, experience, and reduce costs.<br /><br />Key insights include:<br /><br />1. The transformative potential of cardiovascular ASCs is enhanced by the 2026 CMS proposed rule, particularly adding reimbursement for atrial fibrillation ablations and eliminating the inpatient-only procedure list, making ASCs a breakout opportunity in cardiology.<br /><br />2. Successful ASC development requires thorough volume forecasting based on hospital data and CPT codes, consideration of patient suitability, and understanding state-specific regulatory environments, including Certificate of Need (CON) laws which vary by state and may be evolving.<br /><br />3. Financial viability depends on detailed five-year pro forma financial plans incorporating capital investment, operating costs, and realistic ramp-up times for volumes and reimbursements.<br /><br />4. Various investment and ownership models exist (physician-owned, hospital-physician partnerships, third-party ASC companies), each with different implications for governance and financial risk.<br /><br />5. Regulatory challenges include state licensure, accreditation from bodies (AAA HC, Joint Commission, ACC), Medicare certification, and the need to perform initial unbilled cases. Patient selection criteria prioritize safety and appropriateness, with rapid hospital transfer agreements essential.<br /><br />6. Staffing ASCs differs from hospital cath labs; requires early hiring of flexible, clinically skilled management and cross-trained nurses and techs capable of multiple roles under lean staffing models.<br /><br />7. Performance management involves continuous quality monitoring and using ACC’s accreditation and data registries to benchmark clinical, operational, and patient experience metrics.<br /><br />8. Challenges include underestimating ramp-up time, complex regulations, and balancing staff recruitment without overburdening hospitals.<br /><br />The webinar stresses the importance of strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, and ongoing performance tracking to ensure ASC success and sustainable cardiovascular care transformation. Resources are available through ACC, MedAxium, and MedAtlas for support in this evolving landscape.

Keywords

cardiovascular ambulatory surgical centers

ASC development

CMS 2026 proposed rule

atrial fibrillation ablation reimbursement

inpatient-only procedure list removal

volume forecasting and CPT codes

state regulatory environment and CON laws

five-year pro forma financial planning

investment and ownership models in ASCs

staffing and performance management in ASCs