As Americans try to minimize the bite that healthcare takes from their budgets, many are opting for high-deductible health plans that feature lower monthly premiums, albeit higher out-of-pocket costs. In fact, over half (52.9%) of U.S. workers covered by employer insurance plans were enrolled in high-deductible health plans in 2020.

For these employees and many more with higher out-of-pocket costs, planning for an end-of-year procedure means they are more likely to have met their deductible and will be covered in full. For that very reason, ASCs should forecast a higher volume of elective surgeries within the last few months of the calendar year. This year, especially, patient demand is expected to be higher than normal, as many are pursuing procedures that were delayed during the pandemic. This potential surge of procedures is on top of the 25% annual growth that is projected to occur at ASCs over the next decade.

Is your ASC prepared for this impending influx of cases? Read on for three ways to prepare your facility for unprecedented growth:

Ensure a Smooth Patient Journey with Innovative Software

It is crucial that new business does not burden staff and impact the overall patient experience. Unfortunately, many facilities still don’t have any technology in place – or rely on antiquated legacy systems. This not only detracts from the patient experience, but places additional pressure on staff, who often need to put clinical tasks aside to oversee patient registration. 

Software such as Medical Passport can help facilities to reduce cancellations, collect more payments, improve patient satisfaction, and decrease burden on staff. A digital patient registration solution purpose-built for ambulatory surgical centers, Medical Passport simplifies online pre-admissions by offering consumers the very same workflows that exist for other consumer-friendly industries, such as shopping and banking. The solution’s smart software asks patients specific questions tailored to age, sex, and their responses to previous questions. Its screening capability identifies patients with high-risk factors, ensuring a safe pre-op experience. In addition, the software enhances quality assurance and simplifies follow-up tasks.

Win the Battle Against Staffing Shortages by Creating a Positive Atmosphere

Consulting firm McKinsey projects that the U.S. could see a deficit of 200,000 to 450,000 registered nurses by 2025. One of the biggest reasons for this is nurses leaving the profession because of burnout. As ASCs prepare for higher volumes of new business, it is critical to have processes in place to keep clinical staff unstressed and satisfied. 

While facilities that offer staff luncheons, flexible schedules, and financial bonuses demonstrate their appreciation, additional operational and workflow measures are necessary to truly support their daily functions. To create an atmosphere where your clinical staff enjoys coming to work on a daily basis, leverage software such as Engage, which dramatically improves communication by using text, video, and email messages to educate, inform, and empower staff and patients.

Engage enables facilities to send automated messages to patients, their families, and staff members, placing a stronger emphasis on patient care and removing mundane tasks that take away from clinical staff experience. For example, Engage can automatically message family members to coordinate their ride home following a procedure. 

These patient messages are personalized with procedure, physician, and medical history information to encourage successful recovery. Clinical team members also benefit by staying informed of individual or role-based group messages.

Enhance Operations by Having a Proper Payment System in Place

Paying for procedures, whether covered by insurance or not, represents a huge stress point for consumers. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $500 emergency. 

While some procedure costs are covered by insurance, having an easy-to-use payment system in place is critical to handling an influx in business. The less time your ASC staff spend on the phone tracking down payments, the more time they can spend on ensuring the office is running smoothly, and that patients are getting the attention they deserve. 

To help support your patients’ planning and your facility’s revenue cycle, it is critical to deploy innovative technology that helps individuals understand their bill, and the payment options that are available. Payments is a state-of-the-art billing cycle and payment solution that offers patients text-to-pay, mobile payment options, self-directed payment plans, financing options, and complete customer billing and payment support.

A vibrant payment system includes efficient and easy-to-access customer service. Our U.S.-based service center is staffed with financial advocates who are highly knowledgeable about the healthcare terminology and the procedures offered by ASCs, and the existing payment options. For example, our financial advocates are available to support customers in more than 200 languages. 

Prepare Now to Support Ongoing Growth 

The rapid growth predicted for ASCs could overwhelm facilities that are not ready for an influx in cases. Is your facility prepared? If so, you stand to capture increased revenue and higher patient satisfaction scores. Those facilities unprepared to service higher volumes face increased risks, including financial losses and losing credibility and satisfaction among their patients.

Do you need a technology upgrade to prepare for an increase in business while keeping patient satisfaction scores high? Visit our solutions page, or request a demo today!

About One Mnet Health

One Mnet Health unites the clinical and financial patient experience. Our solutions help healthcare providers reach their full potential by improving patient engagement and increasing patient payments. We’re not just a partner; we act as an extension of your facility, giving your staff increased efficiency without any headache. For more information, visit onemnethealth.com.