At least six freestanding surgery centers in Albany, N.Y., that have been planned or completed within the past two years could pose a threat to area hospitals, the Albany Business Review reports.
Some hospital executives are concerned they'll lose revenue and be stuck with complicated cases if surgery centers siphon low-acuity patients away, according to the Albany Business Review. Additionally, prospective employees could choose ASCs over hospitals for a more regular schedule or an ownership stake.
To recapture revenue, St. Peter's Hospital bought a stake in a surgery center development involving Albany-based OrthoNY and Albany ENT & Allergy Services. Albany Medical Center is developing two surgery centers, including one with Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Saratoga Hospital.
"We're oftentimes responding to the surrounding marketplace," Steven Frisch, MD, senior executive vice president for the integrated delivery system at Albany Med, told the Albany Business Review. "Portions of what used to be institutional revenue streams are going elsewhere, and you can either continue to participate with those, or not."
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