8 Benefits of Modern Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Software

Eight ways that modern ASC technology can help improve clinical, financial, and operational performance

Over the past several years, the ASC industry has experienced significant changes. The migration of high-acuity procedures and services lines out of the inpatient setting and into surgery centers has continued, with ASC volume projected to rise significantly over the next 10 years. Competition for surgeons is increasing, in part due to the current and projected physician shortage. This is putting surgeons in a stronger position to choose the surgical facility that will best meet their needs and expectations. Qualified staff members (e.g., nurses, surgical technicians) are also in high demand, which is contributing to greater turnover and higher employee-related expenses.

In addition, patient responsibility is on the rise as high-deductible health plans continue to gain traction in the insurance market, and payers and employers shift more of the financial burden onto consumers. Patients are taking on a more active role in their healthcare, including conducting research into their options for surgeons and facilities with the goal of receiving the highest-quality care at the lowest cost.

With so many challenges and uncertainties, how are ASCs expected to keep up the high level of performance, efficiency, and productivity required to maintain solvency and profitability? Many ASCs have long turned to technology for assistance. Modern, innovative technology has delivered significant improvements in ASC clinical, operational, and financial performance.

Value of Modern ASC Software

Here are eight of the benefits ASCs can expect when they invest in modern surgery center software.

1. Comprehensive design

ASCs historically have purchased several discrete software packages to achieve their objectives. This approach often introduces additional challenges, particularly if solutions are unable to effectively communicate and share information with one another. ASCs then have to implement workarounds or perform manual processes to keep information flowing. These additional efforts can decrease staff productivity, increase the likelihood of errors, and cause workflow bottlenecks. Furthermore, ASCs are likely to spend more to purchase solutions from multiple vendors and pay for the development of any interfaces that may be required to implement cross-platform communication.

Today's modern ASC software solution is comprehensive, on a single database, and includes a design and features that cater to all surgery center stakeholders - patients, physicians, anesthesia providers, nurses, and ASC staff. It is also provided by a single vendor, which eliminates the piecemeal challenges noted above while delivering maximum value at a lower total cost.

When ASC interoperability is needed, modern surgery center software should streamline and simplify integration between technology solutions.

2. Mobile access

As a 2024 Pew Research Center report notes, nine-in-ten Americans own a smartphone. People are growing more reliant on their smart devices to help in all aspects of their lives, including their professional responsibilities.

A modern ASC software solution provides mobile - and secure - access to various functions and components of a surgery center's operations that do not require an individual to sit at a workstation at the facility. For example, ASC physicians should be able to use their smartphones and other smart devices to view their schedule; view and sign attachments (e.g., labs, EKGs) and case consents; add, edit, sign, and amend their operative notes; and complete medication reconciliation.

3. ASC patient engagement

Improvements in patient engagement have been linked to improvements in compliance and outcomes; patient, physician and staff satisfaction; and reputation. With the OAS CAHPS survey becoming mandated for ASCs in 2025, stronger patient engagement can help ambulatory surgery centers avoid reimbursement penalties. For those surgery centers engaging in value-based models of payment, better engagement can grow the bottom line.

Modern ASC software helps strengthen many areas concerning patient engagement. These include collecting patient information (e.g., pre-admission questionnaire); reminding patients about appointments, pre-surgical compliance, and payment responsibility; and effectively communicating with patients leading up to and following surgery.

4. Cloud-based ASC technology

A cloud-based ASC solution provides several features that today's surgery centers will likely find quite appealing. Among them: enhanced level of security. Cloud-based technology alleviates some of the stress and responsibility for ensuring technology security and disaster preparedness and response. The subscription service model that typically accompanies a cloud-based, modern ASC solution significantly reduces infrastructure costs and IT support, and software updates happen automatically.

5. Intuitive interface

Software should make it easy for ASCs and their staff members to find the information they are looking for. Modern ASC software features an intuitive user interface that factors in insight and guidance from ASC experts, human factors experts, and users of the technology. It presents information in a way that is easy to find and process, such as grouping information in trackers and using color judiciously to highlight key information, keeping users from needing to scan the screen or tab through charts and windows to find what they need.

6. Configurability

Every ASC is different with different workflows. Such workflows are intended to enhance staff productivity and ensure the surgery center completes every step necessary to provide effective, compliant, cost-efficient care and earn the surgery center the reimbursement it deserves.

Modern ASC software is easily configurable by the surgery center and its users to support and improve clinical, patient, operational, and financial workflows. Modern technology also creates a more personal experience that helps maximize productivity and increases staff satisfaction and performance.

7. Robust ASC data

It is often said that you can't manage what you don't measure. Modern ASC software provides surgery centers with extensive data and streamlines tracking, measuring, benchmarking, and reporting efforts. This helps ASCs more effectively leverage what they learn from these efforts to implement impactful changes and then monitor changes to ensure they deliver the intended, desired results.

Modern software also simplifies analyzing and sharing ASC data through graphic-focused, easy-to-consume information on dashboards that reflect up-to-date information. Managers can quickly drill down into specific areas like cost per case to correlate various factors, like supplies used and surgeons performing similar cases, to fuel data-driven discussions and improvements.

8. Streamlined implementation and training

ASCs thrive when they operate at a highly efficient level. Time spent waiting is time wasted, and time wasted is money lost.

Modern ASC software is built to keep up with the speed ambulatory surgery centers need to operate at to prosper. This includes the time required for implementation and training. Gone are the days of waiting for up to a year to complete implementation of a platform and educate all staff on how to use a new solution. Modern software is designed to be up and running at full capacity in 10 weeks or fewer, with end-user training only taking hours, not days or weeks.

This means an ASC can start using its new solution and take advantage of the many benefits described here - as well as numerous others - faster. And that translates into better care, reduced costs, enhanced productivity, and improved profitability.

SIS Complete: The Modern ASC Software of Choice

SIS Complete is the modern ASC software empowering more than 1,000 surgery centers to operate smart. To get a firsthand look at SIS Complete, schedule a demo.