geons currently perform robotics-assisted surgeries for the total joints
cases they perform at the local hospital. One of those systems can
cost upwards of $1 million, which is a sizeable investment, especially
because there's no reimbursement attached to it. So, if we determine
there's a legitimate need for one of those systems, we're going to have
to look into adding it through a financing agreement.
2
Hire the right team Partner with a good consultant to help
design and plan your new center or you could find your project
behind schedule by as much as a year. I suggest finding someone
who works in the state in which you're breaking ground because every
state's laws and building requirements are different. Working with a con-
sultant who has a strong grasp of the financials is important, but I like
partnering with a consultant who also has a nursing or clinical back-
ground because they will understand the challenges that go into the day-
to-day management and operation of a surgical facility.
You need to do your own homework, but a good consultant is the
person who is tasked with helping you set everything up correctly the
first time. They will know the rules and regulations for the state in
which you're doing business; they will understand the implications of
adhering to Medicare certification guidelines; and they will know the
standards for whichever accrediting agency you choose to go with.
The consultant's job is to help you set your center up right so there
won't be any surprises.
Likewise, choose your architect carefully — preferably one that spe-
cializes in healthcare design. In addition, a builder who has worked
on surgery centers and hospitals may be able to catch some of the
Life Safety Code issues that a typical construction company might
overlook. Deciding to go with commercial designers and builders
3 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 8
