Case Study
Maryville Surgical Center in Maryville, Tennessee, is a free-standing ASC that is a joint venture between the local hospital, the physicians and Nueterra. The orthopaedic surgeons wanted to build an ASC but it was a CON state. So Nueterra suggested that the physicians and hospital consider building a multi-specialty center. Once the decision to build was made, syndication took about 12-18 months. The center was the first and only ASC in Maryville, helping to meet the community needs for this type of facility.
With Nueterra's expertise and support, the physicians were able to focus on their patients while Nueterra focused on management issues. The project was in a challenging managed care market but with Nueterra's help, the ASC was able to maintain profitability by managing contracts and costs. Nueterra was successful in getting non-investors to use the facility and was actively involved in the day-to-day operations, including hiring new staff and helping with benefits and regulations. From real estate and site selection to licensing and regulations, managed care and daily operations, Nueterra has the infrastructure and forward thinking that brings best practices and best care together.
The success of the project has helped create very positive relationships between all of the parties. As a result of the mutual respect that has developed, the ASC staff is committed to maintaining optimum scheduling for physicians. The JV partners also worked together to create a joint disaster response team to help provide a key medical component to better serve the needs of the community.
The joint venture has proven successful with a 97 percent positive patient satisfaction rating in 2007. Each year, the volume of patient cases grows in addition to the increase of new procedures performed. The pride of ownership by physicians has helped to foster their commitment to the center. With Nueterra's help in providing quality service and effective business practices, they are able to ensure the continuance of success now and into the future.
