Trends, benchmarks, strategic insights from 2024 ASC activity

Editor's Note

This industry report from HST Pathways provides an in-depth analysis of key trends and operational benchmarks for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in 2024, offering actionable insights for nurse leaders. Based on data from 590 ASCs and nearly 3 million patient visits, the report highlights both achievements and persistent challenges, with a focus on operational efficiency, financial health, and patient outcomes.

For instance, the report notes cardiology and orthopedics emerged as high-performing specialties. Smaller ASCs experienced significant growth. Larger facilities, on the other hand, saw a decline. (See Becker’s ASC Review coverage of ASCA’s latest data for a more complete breakdown of the changes in ASC volume per state.)

Here’s a more detailed overview of the HST report:

• Specialty performance: Cardiology cases achieved a 28% reduction in OR duration, and orthopedics cases recorded a 4.5% increase in net revenue per case.
• Size trends: Smaller ASCs (2 ORs) grey by 22%, while larger ASCs (six or more ORs) saw an 8% decline, potentially signaling inefficiencies with trying to scale.
• Financial metrics: Claims denial rates dropped to an industry-low of 4%, while partial patient payments increased by 14%, with full settlements declining.
• Mixed financial performance: While the number of claim denials dropping suggests progress in revenue cycle management and payer negotiations, the partial payment and full settlement trend may indicate ongoing issues in patient collections and revenue capture.

The report also notes the importance of monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as average OR turnover times, staff productivity, and patient satisfaction scores, citing over 130 KPIs that can help ASC leaders identify areas for improvement and implement early interventions. Among the takeaways, the report urges emphasis on preoperative education and enhanced recovery protocols for better patient outcomes and satisfaction; focus on leveraging data-driven insights to address operational inefficiencies; and strengthening financial policies to reduce revenue leakage and sustain growth.