Spending Caps and Phase-Out Thresholds

While the deduction limit has increased, it is important to be aware of the overall spending cap on qualifying equipment. The total amount of equipment purchased that can be fully deducted is $4,000,000. Once your total qualifying equipment purchases exceed this threshold, the deduction starts to phase out dollar-for-dollar.

This means that if your equipment purchases surpass $4 million, your deductible amount will reduce proportionally, emphasizing the importance of planning your investments within the deduction limits to maximize savings.

The Advantage of Immediate Deduction

One of the most attractive features of Section 179 is the ability to immediately expense the full cost of equipment, rather than spreading deductions over multiple years through depreciation. This benefit translates into substantial tax savings in the current fiscal year, freeing up capital for further investments or operational needs.

Use of the Section 179 Tax Calculator

To help businesses estimate potential savings, Auxo Medical recommends utilizing Ascentium Capital’s Section 179 Tax Calculator. This online tool provides an estimate of how much a healthcare practice or business could save by leveraging this tax advantage based on specific purchase amounts and financing options.

Types of Medical and Lab Equipment Eligible for Section 179

Auxo Medical offers a wide selection of medical and laboratory equipment that qualifies for the Section 179 deduction. Investing in these products not only enhances patient care but also provides significant tax benefits. Here is a detailed look at some of the most popular equipment categories eligible for this deduction:

Imaging Equipment

High-quality imaging devices are crucial for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures. Auxo Medical offers:

• OEC 9900 C-Arm (Model: AM-OEC9900)
• Hologic Floroscan InSight FD Mini C-arm (Model: AM-INSIGHT-FD)

These C-arms are designed to deliver exceptional imaging clarity, helping healthcare professionals perform precise diagnostics and interventions.

Sterilization Equipment

Maintaining a sterile environment is vital for patient safety. Auxo Medical provides:

• Steris 400 Series 20″ Sterilizer (Model: AM-400-20)
• Steris 400 Series 48″ House Steam Sterilizer Recessed (Model: AM-400-48)

These sterilizers ensure that surgical instruments and supplies are contamination-free, supporting infection control protocols.

Surgical Tables

Versatile and sturdy surgical tables are essential in any operating room. Auxo Medical offers:

• Steris 4085 General Surgical Table (Model: AM-S4085)
• Oakworks CFPM400 Integrated Headrest Imaging-Pain Management Table (Model: AM-81808)

These tables provide stability and flexibility, accommodating a wide range of surgical procedures.

Surgical Lighting

Proper illumination enhances visibility and precision during surgeries. Auxo Medical stocks:

• Steris Harmony Air M Series Dual Head LED Surgical Light (Model: AM-HARMONYAIR-M-2L)
• Skytron Aurora LED 2 Head Surgical Light System (Model: AM-SKY-AURORA-2L)

These lighting systems offer shadow-free, bright illumination, critical for successful surgical outcomes.

Stretchers and Patient Transport Equipment

Transporting patients safely and comfortably is fundamental. Available options include:

• Stryker M Series Model 1015 Stretcher with Big Wheel (Model: AM-SM204B)
• Hill-rom P8000 Trauma/Procedure 700lb Stretcher (Model: AM-P8000-PS)

Designed for durability and ease of use, these stretchers ensure patient safety and staff efficiency.

Anesthesia Machines

Reliable anesthesia delivery is critical for surgical safety. Auxo Medical offers:

• Mindray A4 Advantage Anesthesia System (Model: AM-MINDRAY-A4)
• GE Avance CS2 Anesthesia Machine (Model: AM-GE-AVANCE-CS2)

Advanced features in these systems contribute to better anesthesia management and patient safety.

Ultrasound Systems for Nerve Blocks and Diagnostics

Ultrasound imaging is indispensable for diagnostics and nerve blocks. Options include:

• Chison SonoAir 70 with One Standard Transducer and Trolley (Model: AM-CHISON-SA70-1P-C)
• Mindray TE5 Ultrasound with 1 Probe (Model: AM-TE5-1P)

High-resolution imaging capabilities make these systems valuable in various medical specialties.

Surgical Microscopes

Precision surgery often requires high-quality microscopes. Auxo Medical offers:

• Leica M520 w/ OH3 Base Multidisciplinary Microscope (Model: AM-LEICAM520-OH3)
• Zeiss Opmi Pico Microscope (Model: AM-ZEISS-OPMI-PICO)

These microscopes deliver unparalleled clarity for detailed surgical work.

Refrigeration and Storage

Proper storage of medications and biological samples is critical. Equipment includes:

• Accucold 49 Cu.Ft. Upright Pharmacy Freezer (Model: AM-AFS49ML)
• Accucold 24″ Wide Stacked Combination Refrigerator/Freezer (Model: AM-FF7LW-VT65MLSTACKMED2)

Reliable refrigeration ensures sample integrity and compliance with storage standards.

Additional Savings with Auxo Medical’s Service Agreements

Beyond the immediate tax benefits, Auxo Medical offers additional savings through its service agreements. Customers with active service contracts receive a 5% discount on equipment purchases. This not only reduces upfront costs but also ensures ongoing maintenance and support, prolonging the lifespan and performance of your medical equipment.

How Service Agreements Enhance Your Investment

Service agreements include regular maintenance, calibration, repairs, and technical support, helping you avoid costly downtimes and ensuring your equipment operates at peak efficiency. Combining this with Section 179 deductions maximizes your overall savings, making healthcare investments more affordable.

For more details, contact Auxo Medical at 804.233.4424 or 888.728.8448 to learn about available service options and how they can benefit your practice.

How to Maximize Your Section 179 Deduction

To fully capitalize on the Section 179 tax deduction, it’s crucial to act before the deadline—December 31, 2025. Here are the steps to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity:

1. Consult Your Tax Professional

Before purchasing, consult your tax advisor to understand how Section 179 applies to your specific situation. They can help you strategize the best way to maximize deductions and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

2. Select Your Equipment

Browse Auxo Medical’s extensive inventory of qualifying medical and lab equipment. Whether you need imaging systems, sterilizers, surgical tables, or anesthesia machines, choose the equipment that best suits your facility’s needs.

3. Arrange Financing or Purchase

Auxo Medical offers flexible financing options through Ascentium Capital, making it easier to acquire high-quality equipment without straining your budget. Whether buying outright or financing, ensure the equipment is purchased and financed within the current tax year.

4. Ensure Equipment is Installed and Operational

To qualify for the deduction, the equipment must be placed into service—that is, installed and operational—by December 31, 2025. Coordinate with your vendors and contractors to meet this deadline.

5. Use the Section 179 Tax Calculator

Estimate your potential savings by utilizing Ascentium Capital’s Section 179 Tax Calculator. This tool helps you understand the tax benefits based on your purchase amount and financing plan.

6. Make Your Purchase and Complete Installation

Once you’ve selected your equipment and secured financing, proceed with the purchase from Auxo Medical. Ensure the equipment is installed and ready for use before year-end to qualify for the deduction.

Why Choose Auxo Medical?

Auxo Medical has a proven track record of providing top-quality medical and laboratory equipment, along with exceptional customer service. Their extensive inventory includes both new and refurbished equipment, offering options to fit various budget levels. Additionally, their team provides expert consultation, maintenance, and repair services, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal condition.

By partnering with Auxo Medical, healthcare providers can confidently navigate the complexities of equipment procurement and tax benefits, making strategic investments that enhance patient care while reducing tax liabilities.

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Our Commitment to ASC Excellence

We’re dedicated to providing ASCs with the best possible medical equipment and support. Our team combines extensive experience in the medical equipment industry with a deep understanding of the unique needs of ambulatory surgery centers. We offer a personalized approach, working closely with each client to develop customized solutions that meet their specific requirements and budget. This commitment extends across all our services:

1. Sales of New and Refurbished Medical Equipment

We offer a wide range of new and refurbished medical equipment to suit the diverse needs of ASCs. Our catalog includes top-of-the-line equipment from leading manufacturers, ensuring you have access to the technology you need to provide exceptional patient care. We understand that budget constraints are a significant factor for ASCs, which is why we offer both new and refurbished options. Refurbished equipment undergoes rigorous testing and certification to ensure it meets the same high standards as new equipment, often at a significantly lower cost.

Equipment Categories We Offer:

Our extensive catalog covers a broad spectrum of medical equipment crucial for ASC operations. Here are some key categories and examples of the products we offer:

Anesthesia Equipment:

We supply anesthesia machines, monitors, and booms from leading brands like Mindray, GE Healthcare, Datex-Ohmeda, Aespire, Dräger, and Penlon. Our expertise ensures your anesthesia equipment is properly maintained and ready for every procedure.

Biomedical Equipment:

This category encompasses a wide range of devices, including patient monitors (ECG machines), surgical tables, surgical lights, stretchers, electrosurgical units, exam tables, and ventilators. We service and supply equipment from major brands such as GE Healthcare, Datascope, Philips, Mindray, Edan, Medtronic, Steris, Amsco, Midmark, Skytron, Stryker, and Hill-Rom. We ensure your biomedical equipment operates safely and efficiently.

Sterile Processing Equipment:

Maintaining a sterile environment is paramount in any ASC. We offer sterilizers, autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, and boilers from leading manufacturers like Steris, Amsco, V-Pro, Getinge, Primus Spire, Scientek, Consolidated, Sharpertek, Belimed, BetaStar, Miele, Basil, Lancer, and Tuttnauer. Our preventative maintenance programs minimize downtime and ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards.

Imaging Equipment:

For ASCs requiring imaging capabilities, we offer C-arms, RF rooms, catheterization labs, and portable X-ray systems. We provide inspections, repairs, equipment de-installation and relocation, as well as PACS and DICOM troubleshooting for brands such as GE Healthcare (OEC 9800/9900, Innova 2100), Fuji, Siemens, Philips, and Shimadzu.

Other Essential Equipment:

Beyond these core categories, we also offer a wide selection of other essential equipment, including:

• AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators)
• Bladder Scanners
• Boilers & Steam Generators
• Carts & Transport Equipment
• Centrifuges
• Defibrillators
• Exam Tables & Chairs
• Fetal Monitors
• Flexible and Rigid Scopes
• Hospital Beds
• Infusion and Syringe Pumps
• Laryngoscopes
• Microscopes
• Patient Positioning Devices
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Processing Sinks
• Refrigerators & Freezers
• Scrub Sinks
• Stainless OR Suite Furniture
• Sterile Processing Supplies & Accessories
• Stools & Task Seating
• Storage & Drying Cabinets
• Stretchers
• Suction and Oxygen Therapy Equipment
• Surgical Lighting
• Surgical Power Equipment
• Surgical Tables
• Temperature Monitoring Equipment
• Tourniquets
• Ultrasonic Cleaners
• Ultrasound Machines
• Ultraviolet Sanitation Products
• Vaporizers
• Vein Viewers
• Ventilators
• Warming Cabinets
• Washer Detergent
• Washer Disinfectors
• Wheelchairs
• Wound Management/Skin Graft Equipment
• X-Ray Equipment

2. Comprehensive Maintenance and Repair Services

We understand that equipment downtime is costly and disruptive. That’s why we offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services designed to minimize interruptions and maximize the lifespan of your equipment.

• Preventative Maintenance
• Corrective Maintenance
• 24/7 Emergency Service
• AAMI Certified Biomedical Equipment Technicians (CBETs)
• Loaner Equipment

3. Additional Services for ASCs

We provide additional services to further support ASCs:

• Sales Consultation & Support
• Valuation & Liquidation
• Financing Options
• Training

Why Choose Auxo Medical for Your ASC?

• Expertise
• Comprehensive Services
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Customer Focus
• Reliability

Contact Auxo Medical Today

At Auxo Medical, we’re committed to helping ASCs thrive. Contact us today to learn more about our medical equipment sales, maintenance, and repair services, and let us help you optimize your facility’s efficiency and patient care. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure the success of your ambulatory surgery center. View and request quotes from our extensive medical equipment catalog online or call our office at (888) 728-8448 to speak with an Auxo Medical Sales Representative today!

The post Medical Equipment Sales, Maintenance and Repair Services for Ambulatory Surgery Centers through Auxo Medical appeared first on Auxo Medical.

The Operating Room:

In order to perform surgeries, the operating room must be equipped with certain essential medical equipment. One of the most important items is the operating table, which should be adjustable and have the ability to support the patient throughout the surgery. Another vital piece of equipment is the anesthesia machine, which delivers a combination of potent drugs and gases to the patient during the procedure. Finally, the operating room should also have a variety of surgical instruments, including powered surgical equipment, scalpels, forceps, clamps, and scissors.

• Operating Table
• Anesthesia Machine
• Surgical Instruments

Mobility and Transportation:

In ambulatory surgery centers, patients typically receive same-day surgery and do not require hospitalization. As a result, mobility and transportation equipment are important to ensure patients can be safely transported throughout the facility. The most important piece of mobility equipment is the patient lift, which assists in lifting and transferring patients to and from the operating table. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers should also have wheelchairs and stretchers available to facilitate the movement of patients throughout the facility.

• Patient Lift
• Wheelchairs
• Stretchers

Diagnostic and Testing Equipment:

In order to accurately diagnose and treat patients, ambulatory surgery centers must have a variety of diagnostic and testing equipment available. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the ultrasound machine, which allows healthcare providers to visualize organs and tissues within the body. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers should have a blood pressure monitor, electrocardiogram (ECG) machine for monitoring heart function, and pulse oximeter for measuring oxygen levels in the blood.

• Ultrasound Machine
• Blood Pressure Monitor
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) Machine
• Pulse Oximeter

Contact Auxo Medical for Your ASC’s Medical Equipment

Equipping your ambulatory surgery center with the right medical equipment is essential to ensuring safe and effective patient care. By investing in essential equipment such as operating tables, anesthesia machines, patient lifts, and diagnostic equipment, you can provide optimal care for your patients and set your center up for success. Contact Auxo Medical today for your customized quote.

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A patient’s heart monitor sends an alert to a physician that her arrhythmia is back.

A senior forgets to take their prescribed medication on time, and a devices helps remind them to take it and also documents what time they took it.

 A man’s implanted device monitors blood glucose symptoms and delivers a corrective insulin stimulus, alerting the physician simultaneously.

All of these examples are the epitome of the “Internet of Medical Things” (IoMT). The Internet of Medical Things refers to an ecosystem of medical devices and applications that collect data that is then provided to healthcare IT systems through online computer networks. Wi-Fi enabled devices are a catalyst for machines to communicate and link to cloud platforms for data storage. The “Internet of Things” (IoT) has influenced several industries, and the healthcare field is no exception. The medical industry across the board has gradually started to enter the integrated world of IoT.

IoMT covers a broad spectrum, such as wearabledevices, remote patient monitoring, sensor-enabled hospital beds and infusion pumps, medication-tracking systems, medical supply and equipment inventory tracking. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are being implemented across the United States in healthcare facilities; patients have access to online portals to obtain their own records. Doctors can also now digitally prescribe medication and upload it directly to the patient’s pharmacy for pick-up. Additionally, portable diagnostic devices can make routine blood and urine tests easier on our aging population—where mobility is more challenging and who need to take these tests more often.

Benefits to Patients

IoMT can improve patient diagnoses. This is possible through connected devices — allowing data collection for analytics — and patients that benefit from the data down the road. Almost 60% of healthcare providers are utilizing IoMT devices – and they’re reporting improved patient care, according to a Frost & Sullivan study. Wearable healthcare devices and healthcare apps allow patients and their medical providers stay in touch.

IoMT devices can also make operations more efficient for healthcare workers, who are often simultaneously caring for a number of patients. Ironing out processes and improving efficiency decreases the burden for health workers while increasing the quality of care they can give.

One of the most obvious and popular applications of healthcare and the IoT is in remote health monitoring — sometimes known as “telehealth.” In some instances, patients don’t even have to visit an ER or be admitted to a hospital.

If a person has restricted mobility, or needs to utilize public transportation, remote monitoring can be priceless for patients. Not only does this reduce costs, but it spares them the inconvenience of being away from home.

The IoMT can help monitor and notify not only caregivers, but give healthcare providers real data to pinpoint issues prior to a desperate situation and allow for invention earlier.

There are even safeguards in place for remote healthcare tools. For example, a new IoT-driven solution from Philips, is called “e-Alert.” Instead of waiting for a device to fail, Philips’ system takes a proactive approach by virtually monitoring medical hardware and alerting hospital staff members if there’s a problem.

Patient Compliance & Reporting

One of the biggest concerns of IoMT is adherence to doctor’s directions. IoMT isn’t intended to substitute healthcare providers, but to provide them with the data gathered from devices for better diagnoses and treatment plans. Healthcare facilities also currently use the IoMT to help with streamlining workflow, overseeing inventory and medical device integration.

A connected IoMT device provides objective reporting of authentic occurrences. Without these findings, providers must rely on subjective patient reports based on their memory and feelings alone.

IoMT devices help monitor patient behavior and activity from a distance so the provider will have actual data to refer to regarding compliance to treatment recommendations and what ensues after a patient leaves the healthcare premises.

It’s Personal…and Here to Stay

Although today’s modern technology can sometimes get a bad rap (i.e. a nurse is too busy to have eye contact because they’re completing medical notes on an iPad), the reality is that IoMT can actually offer more personalized healthcare for each individual patient. From creating customized therapy plans, to determining care guidelines based on the unique situation of a patient.

There’s no doubt that IoMT is here to stay, and will continue to evolve as technology continues to advance.

Stay tuned for our next blog in the upcoming weeks— we will elaborate on the future of IoMT and what to expect.

The post Internet of Medical Things (IoT): The Vast Impact Inside & Outside of Hospital Walls appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions, and many HAIs are preventable. HAIs can occur in a number of health care facilities, such as acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient care e.g. physicians’ offices and clinics, dialysis treatment facilities, and long-term care facilities e.g. rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. HAIs can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens.

HAIs are a serious cause of illness — and they can have catastrophic consequences — including emotional stress, financial and/or medical costs, prolonged hospital stay, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at any given time in the United States, 1 out of every 25 hospitalized patients are affected by an HAI. Sadly, these infections lead to the loss of tens of thousands of lives each year, an estimated 75,000 patients, and require the U.S. healthcare system to spend billions of dollars each year.

The HAI Prevalence Survey published results described the burden of HAIs in U.S. hospitals, and reported that in 2011, there were an estimated 722,000 HAIs in acute care hospitals across America. More than half of all HAIs occurred outside of the intensive care unit.

How HAIs Are Commonly Transmitted

Today’s advanced healthcare technology includes invasive devices and procedures to treat patients and to help them recover. Infections can occur through procedures (i.e. surgery) as well as the equipment used during medical procedures. This can happen through a wound, a device such as a catheter, or even by way of the lungs. Germs often spread from unclean surfaces to the hands of healthcare workers, patients, or visitors.

There are certain factors that are known to increase the risk of HAIs:

• Catheters (bloodstream, endotracheal, and urinary)
• Surgery
• Injections
• Improperly cleaned and disinfected healthcare settings
• Patients and healthcare workers inadvertently sharing communicable diseases
• Overuse or incorrect use of antibiotics

Spreading organisms that cause HAIs can occur through several common scenarios in a healthcare setting: caregiver-to-patient, environment-to-patient, or patient-to-patient.

Why Preventing HAIs Are Paramount

HAIs are a significant source of complications across the continuum of care and can be transmitted between different health care facilities. Steps can be taken to control and prevent HAIs. Research shows that when healthcare facilities, care teams, and individual doctors and nurses, are aware of infection problems and take specific steps to prevent them, rates of some targeted HAIs can decrease by more than 70 percent.

Preventing HAIs is possible, but it will take a conscious effort of everyone involved — clinicians, healthcare facilities and systems, public health, quality improvement groups, and the federal government–working together toward improving care, protecting patients, and saving lives.

The financial benefit of implementing prevention practices is estimated to be $25 billion to $31.5 billion in medical cost savings. 

Studies* have shown that proper education and training of health care workers increases compliance with and adoption of best practices (e.g., infection control, hand hygiene, attention to safety culture, and antibiotic stewardship) to prevent HAIs.

In the next edition of Auxo Medical’s newsletter and blog, we will examine the most common types of HAIs as well as an in-depth review on how to prevent them.

*Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

The post A Look Inside the Expanding Landscape of HAIs appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Elective outpatient hip and knee replacements increased by 47 percent from 2012 to 2015, according to a study by Sg2. This insight is an early indicator that total joint replacements (TJR) are becoming more common in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) setting as a higher number of surgeons become experts on minimally invasive technology and pain management techniques for outpatient procedures.

Total joint surgeries moving toward outpatient can also be attributed to:

• The transition to value-based care since ASCs are a high quality, low cost option
• Insurance companies are more willing to cover outpatient TJRs
• Studies show that patients who fit a particular criteria can achieve desired results in the outpatient setting

In this month’s newsletter, we’re peeling back the TJR outpatient trends, cost analysis, and how ASCs are taking a driver’s seat in the total joint arena.

TJR on the Rise

According to a report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the number of total joint replacements is expected to dramatically jump between the years 2030 and 2060.

Primary total hip replacements are projected to grow 171 percent and primary total knee replacements are expected to grow 189 percent by 2030. Also, people are having TJR surgeries done earlier in their lives. The average age for primary total hip replacements dropped from 66.3 years old in 2000 to 64.9 years old in 2014. The average age for primary total knee replacement dropped from 68 years old to 65.9 years old.

A report by Vizient estimates that outpatient total joint replacements will grow 77 percent from 2016 to 2026, but inpatient total joint volume is expected to remain relatively flat.

Behind the Costs of Total Joint Replacement

According to a new report, there is a significant variance in the cost for a joint replacement surgery. It can cost $5,000, all the way to $30,000 depending on the medical center.

Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. More than one million joint replacements are performed every year in the U.S., and by 2030 that number is expected to grow to more than 4 million.

The analysis published by Premier, found that the cost of joint procedures vary considerably between facilities due to the differences in practice patterns and the devices that are used on patients.

According to the findings from Premier’s database of 1,100 hospitals, the overall median cost of TJR surgery is $14,520. However, 50% of cases run between $12,000 and $17,900.

The average cost of primary knee implants was $4,464, among 350 hospitals polled. Yet, 50% of the hospitals paid between $4,066 and $5,609 on the devices. Additionally, the same group of hospitals paid an average of $5,252 for primary hip implants, but 50% of the hospitals paid between $4,759 and $6,463.

Because devices make up a significant portion of the procedure’s expense, there is significant gap in pricing among vendors.

Another cost associated with TJRs is OR staff. Some OR’s may use a dozen people in the room while others many only have a handful of staff in a case.

And bone cement, which is used to hold the implant against the bone, can be quite costly too. Research shows that bone cement infused with antibiotics doesn’t improve patient outcomes, and it costs 120% more per patient compared to bone cement without antibiotics.

On the flip side, costs associated with length of stay and recovery have decreased due to advancements in modern healthcare.

How Ambulatory Centers are Capitalizing on TJRs

Ambulatory Surgery Centers are leading the way with Total Joint Replacement. The number of ASCs offering outpatient total joint replacements has increased from about 25 in 2014 to 200+ in 2017, according to a report from Advisory Board.

One of the reasons for this increase is because of the value-based model of healthcare. The Affordable Care Act’s necessity to publicly report data and holding back payment when you don’t meet certain quality objectives plays a role.

Another reason the number of ASCs providing TJRs continues to increase is because some insurance companies are more inclined to reimburse for the procedure. Outpatient total joint replacements remain a relatively unconventional concept in many parts of the country, but it is certainly on the rise and becoming more and more common.

Surgeons will likely take TJRs to outpatient departments primarily because reimbursement has increased and the hospital’s proximity. However, as the demand for high-quality, low-cost care increases and surgeons become involved in independent surgery centers, they will take higher volume to ASCs.

How ASCs Can Cut Costs With TJRs

Joint Surgery requires larger sterilizers, larger OR tables, and a laundry list of other necessities that may not have been previously needed at an outpatient center. As ASCs take on TJRs, outfitting your facility with the appropriate equipment comes at a price. Purchasing refurbished medical equipment can certainly help shave costs.

Auxo Medical’s expertise is in refurbished, good-as-new medical equipment, which is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets original manufacturer standards, Whether you may need sterilizers, washers, operating tables, or surgical beds to prepare for your influx of joint surgeries to come — we are happy to be a resource for your needs.

The post Outpatient is the Future of Total Joint Replacement appeared first on Auxo Medical.

Value-based healthcare is a delivery model in which providers are compensated based on patient health outcomes. Under value-based care agreements, providers (including hospitals and physicians) are recognized for helping patients improve their health, reduce the ramifications and incidence of chronic disease, and live a healthier lifestyle in an evidence-based process.

Value-based care is different from a traditional fee-for-service (FFS) approach. FFS providers are paid based on the amount of healthcare services they deliver. The “value” in value-based healthcare is derived from measuring health outcomes against the cost of delivering the outcomes.

 Benefits Of Value-Based Healthcare

1.) Quality and patient engagement measures increase when the focus is on value instead of volume. In addition, providers are not placed at the financial risk that comes with fee-for-service payment systems.

2.) Value-based care models focus on helping patients recover from illnesses and injuries quicker and avoid chronic disease in the first place. As a result, patients face fewer doctor’s visits, tests, and procedures, and they keep more money in their pockets on medication.

3.) Less money is spent helping people manage chronic diseases and experience expensive inpatient and medical emergencies. Value-based care has the promise to significantly reduce overall costs spent on healthcare.

ASCs are Positioned to Add Extra Value

Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are designed to provide cost-effective, quality care. Now, with value-based care, they are already positioned to make good on the model’s mission.

For example, infection rates* after surgeries performed at outpatient surgical centers are quite low. This can be attributed to the fact that many ASCs have specialized areas and a focused approach with less variables, which leads to less complications. This ripple effect is the perfect equation for value-based care.

It’s important to make sure that consumers truly understand and appreciate the value-based care provided by an ASC. In addition to delivering quality care at a reduced cost, ASCs need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. In other words, they need to prove it to consumers.

Helping Patients Find the Value in Value-Based Care 

Transparency + Sharing Success

Some healthcare providers go as far as sharing prices for procedures on their websites. Unfortunately, what is not shared with consumers due to HIPAA, are surgical results. Prospective patients do not necessarily know if a surgeon has had stellar surgical outcomes — from complications, to death. So it’s important for ASCs to provide transparency in any way possible. Calculate recovery rates by surgeon, for example, vs. average patient recovery time. Get creative in showcasing commitment to outcomes.

Customer Service + Clinical Excellence

Of course an ASC encourages surgeons and healthcare providers to follow best practices, but sharing this with the online community is incredibly important. In today’s Google-heavy, social media crazed world, customer service has never been more critical. Clinical and non-clinical employees are the frontlines of ensuring a “positive” experience in what is typically an uneasy medical circumstance. Viral and online channels will either serve your bottom-line through referrals or hurt it through scathing reviews — make sure staff is in alignment to make patient needs and comfort levels as high as possible.

Painless Billing

There is enough pain associated with medical procedures, the patient doesn’t need to worry about more discomfort once it comes time to process medical bills. A competent and trained ASC billing staff member will help standardize coding and billing accurately. Patients deserve to understand both charges and cost savings in relation to value-based care.

Patient-Centered Care: Look into the Future

As the healthcare terrain continues to advance and providers increase their implementation of value-based care models, moving from a fee-for-service to a fee-for-value system, they may see short-term financial hits before longer-term costs decline. However, the transition from fee-for-service to fee-for-value has been embraced as the best method for lowering healthcare costs while increasing quality care and helping people lead healthier lives. By implementing these strategies, an ASC can improve patient experience and outcomes, and decrease costs. Most importantly, they can influence consumers’ appreciation and understanding of the value in value-based care.

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What are the benefits of using a single source vendor for purchasing medical equipment? This seems like an obvious answer for a common question, but the truth is, there is so much more to it than cost savings.

These days more than ever before, the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) procurement team is under a lot of pressure to provide high quality equipment, within or under budget, while considering the needs (and opinions) of front line medical stakeholders.

Sure — aligning with a single source vendor can provide a tremendous amount of value, and it’s worth mentioning the perks:

• Improved bargaining power to reduce costs
• Time savings in monitoring vendor performance
• Improved supplier responsiveness

However some crucial areas that cannot be overlooked also include:

• Enhanced attention to innovation and design collaboration
• Dedication to planning for expansion, inventory control and alternative product options

One aspect that is often not fully realized is proper planning of medical equipment purchasing.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
― Abraham Lincoln

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
― Benjamin Franklin

The importance of thoughtful and developed planning cannot be overstated.

WHAT IS A PLAN?

plan
noun: plan
¹ 
a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.

When a single source medical equipment vendor also serves as a planner, the relationship is exponentially more valuable.

PLANNING IN EXISTING OPERATIONS

For an existing ASC, having the appropriate equipment in place all comes back to effective planning. Planning for acquisition, maintenance, and anticipating updates to new or refurbished equipment as needed.

Another asset that a single source medical equipment vendor who also qualifies as a planner brings to the table is assisting with inventory — creation as well as ongoing updates. The result is keeping an accurate record of existing equipment, helping to identify the actual location of each piece of equipment, and eliminating unnecessary duplicate purchases.

Cataloging inventory should be an ongoing process. Having a pulse on the equipment’s landscape provides a real-time assessment of an ASC’s needs. This key step in planning plays a major part in consolidating lead times when new or refurbished medical equipment are needed. Acquiring equipment in a matter of days vs a couple of months is an important advantage.

PLANNING FOR RENOVATION AND NEW FACILITIES

Of course the ultimate objective of having well-functioning medical devices is to ensure patient safety and quality outcomes. But to be able to achieve this while still saving thousands of dollars is the best case scenario. This can be achieved through upfront planning.

An expert equipment facilitator can help simplify the process and shore up costly modifications such as electrical, plumbing, and climate conditioning. Accuracy is everything — from equipment choice, to placement, to delivery timing.

The architect on a new or renovated project certainly plays a pivotal role in planning, however they do not have the knowledge or experience necessary for proper equipment selection. Not only will they need assistance in allowing for proper sizing and location of equipment placing, but also specific details that have a direct effect on patients’ healthcare, such as misplaced electrical outlets. Not to mention, an oversight such as this results in unaccounted revenue spend to remedy the problems and healthcare delivery inefficiencies.

Collaborating with the contractor’s construction schedule has many benefits. Not properly forecasting the purchasing, delivery and installation equates to either tying up capital by buying too early, or delaying equipment if purchasing happens too late. This can be avoided simply by planning ahead, and having someone solely accountable for the moving parts and details.

A SINGLE SOURCE IS THE SMARTER CHOICE

A single-source medical equipment partner who has planning experience can help determine the best solution for your specific needs while reducing costs and saving time. They offer a one-stop, single source to help problem solve with you, which is much more convenient than tackling through a rolodex of vendors. And as a recurring, loyal customer to a single-source vendor, you will likely have the focus of senior leadership so your requests, suggestions and feedback will be incredibly meaningful.

As you look for a medical equipment vendor, be sure they do not offer you stock solutions. They should be seen as your partner, and should not disappear after the installation has been checked off. Do they have highly-trained service technicians available 24/7? Are they flexible? Do they offer cost-effective maintenance options? And most importantly, do they have a proven track record for planning?

Auxo Medical is not classified as a manufacturer or a medical equipment provider. We have built a reputation and a value-added niche as a “consultative seller, refurbisher and servicer.” If you’d like to talk about how we may add value to your business, we invite you to schedule a pre-purchase consultation.

Contact us today and we’ll be in touch.

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