As part of the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, healthcare providers canceled or postponed elective procedures for an indefinite period and have limited surgery to urgent and emergent cases. As the federal government begins planning for the resumption of normal activity, states are considering the acceleration of timing and recommendations to reopen ASCs and health systems for elective surgery. These facilities must prepare for a surge of pent-up demand, as well as an increased momentum in trends that started before the pandemic.

In this session:

• Review the potential impact of COVID-19 on surgery migration, expansion of services, payer contracting, and ASC operations.
• Discuss the implications on the demand for elective surgery when ASCs and health systems reopen their ORs.
• Evaluate how surgical volume limitations and access may redefine business relationships and the alignment of ASCs with health systems.