Part 1: How Your Business Model Impacts Design

The evolution of surgical center profitability relies on high quality patient care and staff efficiency in a convenient, cost-effective environment. In this two-part series we draw a clear path to surgeon-centric surgery center design for both Office-Based Surgical Suites (OBS) and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC).

Here, we look at how your OBS or ASC business model impacts design and the contributing factors to consider.

Determining the Right Business Model

Office-Based Surgical Suites (OBS) share surgical procedure and practitioners’ clinic/offices space, while Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) are specifically licensed outpatient surgical facilities.

Office Based Surgery Suites (OBS)

OBS suites are the ideal opportunity to reduce costs, operating out of one location in surroundings familiar to your patients.

• OBS is ideal for less complex procedures requiring limited post-operative care and minimal observation
• Typically requires local anesthesia or light sedation
• Procedures might include skin biopsies, mole removal, minor cosmetic procedures, etc.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC)

As standalone licensed facilities, these facilities provide a wide range of outpatient surgeries and procedures. They require fully equipped operating rooms with specialized systems and equipment.

• ASC is ideal for procedures requiring general or regional anesthesia
• Typically offers wider range of more complex procedures with slightly longer recovery time and increased observation
• Procedures might include colonoscopies, endoscopic procedures, surgery using specialized equipment, etc.

Considerations

Some important aspects to consider when choosing your business model include:

• Can your model ensure a high success rate of surgeries?
• What factors will reduce the risk of complications?
• Does your team have the proficiency to deliver high quality, safe surgical procedures and if so, in what areas of specialization?
• How will the facility accommodate the equipment needed to ensure you can efficiently and safely treat patients to maintain profitability? What types of procedures will they be?
• Are you equipped to make changes that are regulation compliant for your facility type?
• Do you meet the requirements based on length of stay?
• Will it be a singular or multi-specialty facility?

OBS vs ASC Design

From a design standpoint, there are different considerations and costs.

OBS

OBS conversion requires smart planning to utilize current space to accommodate the necessary medical equipment and supplies, although you should also weigh the pros and cons of relocation. Considerations include:

• Can the current electrical system accommodate the increased load density and electrical distribution components required for surgery?
• How can you improve efficiency in work areas with flow between office and surgical staff?
• How can the design improve infection control?
• Can you use flexible design to create multipurpose spaces and optimize revenue?
• What changes will improve patient safety and facility cleanliness standards according to regulations?

ASC

The above considerations easily apply to ASC design. However, careful consideration is required in facilitating the specialty systems critical to the entire facility’s infrastructure. This includes everything from high performing HVAC systems to emergency and isolated power and piped medical gases to state-of-the-art sterilization facilities. You can also consider new advancements in hygienic materials to reduce cleaning and maintenance costs while improving patient and staff flow.

Project Delivery Method

Design and construction approaches used in your project impact efficiency, timelines, budget, and outcomes. The most effective project delivery methods for surgical centers are integrated project delivery (IPD), which Apex Design Build is known for, and design/build (DB). They both use similar collaborative approaches that help streamline the process by breaking down typical barriers between designers, engineers, architects, and contractors.  

Choosing the right business model and project delivery method will ensure you increase revenue generating opportunities with a surgical center design that optimizes patient flow, efficiency, and patient/staff experience.

In Part-two of this blog we compare licensing/accreditation, reimbursement rates, and the initial/ongoing costs for OBS and ASC models.

Embrace innovative healthcare facility designs with Apex.

Your surgical center requires patient-centric design and planning to improve ROI. Apex Design Build creates expandable, adaptable designs for longevity and ongoing cost-effectiveness for both ASC and OBS projects. Reach out to Apex to discuss your surgical center design and build project.