MAYFIELD CLINIC SPINE
SURGERY CENTER
CINCINNATI, OHIO
A great way to judge the quality and value of a business partner is by asking its current partners. The same is true about running an ASC business and treating patients in an outpatient environment. Heres what our surgeon-partners have to say about owning their own ASCs and working with Blue Chip.
Mark Beaugard, M.D. Otolaryngology (ENT)
Turk's Head Surgery Center; West Chester, Pennsylvania
"Kids, middle-aged adults, seniors all of our patients love our center. That's why ASCs are attractive. Most physicians need help managing the unknowns in the new treatment environments. That's what partners are good for. Development and management partners should show a consistent singleness of purpose. That's how to build trust and develop rapport with physician investors."
"Blue Chip was instrumental in turning around our underperforming center. They helped us do things we couldn't do on our own, like negotiating better contracts with tough payors. Blue Chip is very easy to work with, and our agreement is very fair. Our incentives are closely aligned. We only succeed together. I've been very impressed with Blue Chip's people at all levels. They are honest, enthusiastic and know the business."
Anthony Coletta, M.D. General Surgeon & President
Surgery Center of the Main Line; Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
"The number-one attribute to look for in a business partner is the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with physicians. Delivering the business plan as promised and on time went a long way to establishing trust. Running organized and succinct meetings helps, too."
"For physician-led ASCs to succeed, doctors must be ready to commit their hearts, minds and wallets. The good news is that the benefits of owning an ASC come on all three levels, too."
"Blue Chip recognizes that, for physicians, successful ASCs are not just about the money. The business model is designed to give patients higher quality of care and physicians more control of both their professional environment and lifestyle."
John DiPaola, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon & Founder, Occupational Orthopedics
East Portland Surgical Center; Portland, Oregon
"Having a partner to manage things beyond our expertise affords us the time and energy to focus on what's most important to our practice quality of care and the patients. Because our business is built on trust, the physicians freely contribute good ideas. Having a strong partner helps us execute those ideas and get the most out of our opportunities."
"I have my hands full developing my own practice. Blue Chip applies its expertise and energy on business matters I dont have the time or inclination to handle. Regulatory issues, contracting, legal and financial management Blue Chip has been a big help to us in all of these areas."
Thomas Eubanks, D.O. General Surgeon
East Portland Surgical Center; Portland, Oregon
"A fundamentally sound management team takes care of matters like staffing, contracting and billing that are less important to most physicians than patient care. Because they're safe, comfortable and more accessible, surgery centers offer a better experience for patients."
"Trust comes through performance over time. Delivering on commitments is the best way to build trust with physicians. Blue Chip has been particularly helpful in day-to-day operations, controlling expenses and dealing with personnel matters swiftly."
Joseph Stapleton, M.D. Anesthesiologist/Pain Specialist
East Portland Surgical Center; Portland, Oregon
"Because we had a detailed plan, the transition to an ASC was not difficult for me or my patients. I have no doubt that patients prefer being treated in the ASC. They can sense the staff is more personally committed and receive better service as a result. This business model works for me as a clinician. And because physicians in our group trust each other and are committed, we've had good luck expanding the business."
"There was some reluctance to bring in a corporate partner at first, but as we've seen other physician groups struggle with billing, staffing and other issues, we know that Blue Chip adds value to the partnership. Blue Chip recognizes ASCs are not just about the money for physicians. Having more time and control over the practice environment are other important benefits."
Joseph Vernace, M.D. Orthopedics
Surgery Center of the Main Line; Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
"Having your own ASC means the freedom to work with the best people. It's also easier to communicate and build camaraderie with colleagues."
"A clearly defined structure has been critical to our success. We wanted a partner who had the knowledge and insight to make strong recommendations for building the business. Finding the right partner is a matter of asking if these are people you want to be involved with over the long term."
"We interviewed lots of other corporate firms, but Blue Chip was the first company with which we clicked. Because we shared a philosophy, the relationship felt right. Blue Chip surrounded us with a full team architecture people, law firms, medical suppliers everybody that was necessary to execute the plan. What I like about Blue Chip is that their people are highly motivated to solve problems and dedicated to what we're doing."