Optimizing ambulatory endoscopy center value in the reform era

Optimizing value in health care delivery is the primary driver of the health care reform initiative. The value proposition in health care requires that the quality of care is maximized whereas excess costs of medical errors, adverse events, redundancy, and overutilization are minimized or eliminated. Ambulatory endoscopy centers (AECs), because of their significant role in care delivery, are compelled to address the primary health care reform objectives to remain competitive in the reform era. One of the earliest demands includes the expansion of efficiency and capacity to accommodate the growing insured population and the influx of baby-boomers into Medicare coverage. Adoption of electronic health records and connectivity through health information exchange will provide an infrastructure required for integration and coordination of care with other health care providers. Health information technology will also facilitate the education and engagement of patients to enhance their participation in disease prevention and the management of chronic diseases. The evolution of value-based payment methodologies will mandate that AECs participate in larger care delivery coalitions to coordinate and deliver high-value health care. The reform era requires that AECs make a renewed effort to assess their operations and efficiencies with a focus on quality of care and concurrent cost efficiencies. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.