Beth A. Johnson is vice president of clinical systems for Blue Chip Surgical Center Partners.
Q: There is a common belief among many surgery center operators that the best way to ensure profitability is to carve out spine implant costs. Do you agree with this strategy?
Beth Johnson: While some centers carve out these costs, it's much more favorable if you can negotiate good global rates. With carve outs, normally there is a requirement to send the insurance company implant invoices, which slows down payment. If you know your costs and have them up to date before negotiating global rates, you can benefit from this type of reimbursement. We feel it's more favorable financially to have all your cost data and then negotiate rates that cover your costs.
Learn more about Blue Chip Surgical Center Partners.
Q: There is a common belief among many surgery center operators that the best way to ensure profitability is to carve out spine implant costs. Do you agree with this strategy?
Beth Johnson: While some centers carve out these costs, it's much more favorable if you can negotiate good global rates. With carve outs, normally there is a requirement to send the insurance company implant invoices, which slows down payment. If you know your costs and have them up to date before negotiating global rates, you can benefit from this type of reimbursement. We feel it's more favorable financially to have all your cost data and then negotiate rates that cover your costs.
Learn more about Blue Chip Surgical Center Partners.