Countdown to OR Manager Conference: Key strategies for success adding complex spine procedures to ASCs

Editor's Note

At last year’s OR Manager Conference, healthcare leader Karen Reiter, RN, CNOR, RNFA, CASC, shared her expertise on integrating complex spine procedures into ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). As the former administrator at DISC Surgery Center at Newport Beach and vice president of operations and payer management at TriasMD, Reiter offered practical advice drawn from her extensive experience in growing a spine surgery platform.

Reiter emphasized that successfully introducing complex spine surgeries into an ASC requires planning, collaboration, and a strong focus on patient safety. She discussed the challenges of accommodating surgeons' preferences for specific equipment and technology in smaller facilities and the importance of standardizing major equipment to ensure safety and efficiency.

In particular, Reiter highlighted that successful implementation needs:

• Meticulous planning: Introduce complex spine surgeries into ASCs with careful planning and preparation
• Surgeon collaboration: Work closely with surgeons to accommodate their equipment and technology needs while maintaining standardization for safety
• Patient selection: Carefully select patients through thorough preoperative assessments and medical history reviews to ensure suitability for outpatient spine surgeries
• Patient and family education: Educate patients and their families early about the procedure and recovery expectations to improve outcomes and satisfaction
• Anesthesia and pain management: Use preoperative strategies and advanced pain management techniques to minimize narcotic use and enhance recovery
• Standardization of equipment: Ensure major equipment is standardized across the facility to reduce risks and improve efficiency
• Safety protocols: Implement strict safety protocols, including proper patient selection, to handle complex spine procedures safely in an ASC setting
• Postoperative care: Focus on effective postoperative care, including early mobilization and pain management, to facilitate quicker recovery and discharge.

As stated above, Reiter highlighted the need for thorough patient education and selection processes. She explained that educating patients and their families about the procedure and setting realistic expectations early on can significantly improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Reiter also stressed that knowing the patient's medical history and ensuring proper preoperative assessments are crucial in selecting the right candidates for complex spine surgeries in an outpatient setting. And of course, she reviewed the role of anesthesia and postoperative care in ensuring patient safety and helping with the appropriate recovery times fit for the ASC pace.

The session underscored that ASCs can successfully handle complex spine procedures with the right preparation and protocols in place. Reiter’s insights provided a roadmap for other ASCs looking to expand their service lines to include these high-acuity surgeries. Look for ASC educational sessions similar to this one at this year’s OR Manager Conference in Las Vegas, October 28–30.