As the end of the year approaches, ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) face an influx of patient appointments and a surge in surgical procedures. This presents several unique challenges for practice managers, from maintaining efficient operations to providing quality patient care amidst ambulatory surgical center staffing shortages and an increased demand for services. Compounded by longer wait times and employee burnout, it can be a stressful time of the year — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Medix, we specialize in helping ASCs navigate the seasonal surge by providing quick access to qualified healthcare professionals. We put together this helpful guide to give you the insights you need to make sure your team is equipped to handle the busiest time of the year. Learn about the factors that contribute to the end-of-year surge and uncover a step-by-step guide to start preparing your ASC today.
Understanding the End-Of-Year Surge
The end-of-year surge at ASCs is driven by several unique factors that increase patient volume and put a strain on healthcare workers.
Insurance Deductibles
One of the main reasons for this seasonal influx is that many patients choose to schedule elective surgical procedures before their insurance deductibles reset in the new year. This creates a surge in demand for routine and specialized procedures that patients often put off until their health insurance provider is willing to pay a larger portion of the bill. The holiday season also motivates many patients to schedule surgeries because they can use the additional days off from school or work to rest and recover without having to take more vacation time than necessary.
Aging Population
The demand for medical services is also rising due to an aging population, especially in areas such as chronic disease management and specialized care. In 2020, people aged 65 and older made up 17% of the total population, but forecasts suggest that by 2040, this group could grow to 22%.1
Recent data highlights this upward trend, showing that ASCs are seeing notable increases in volume and revenue. Orthopedic procedures remain the top revenue generators, with net profit per case rising from $6,141 in 2023 to $6,419 in 2024.2 The ASC sector is anticipated to expand by 22% in overall volume by 2033, including an 18% increase in outpatient surgical and cardiovascular procedures. This growth is further supported by the rise in the number of ASCs, which went up from 6,109 in 2022 to 6,223 in 2023.3
Staffing Shortages
On top of this, ASCs face more operational challenges during this time due to potential staffing shortages. Healthcare employees take vacation time during the holidays just like everyone else, creating gaps in the workforce just when patient numbers start to peak. This can lead to longer wait times, delays in scheduling, and increased pressure on the remaining staff to maintain quality care. Since many of the procedures patients schedule toward the end of the year are surgical or elective, there’s also a greater demand for specialized healthcare professionals, which can make it challenging to secure the right talent on short notice.
This is why working with seasonal healthcare staffing agencies such as Medix can be a game changer. With the ability to quickly fill specialized roles in nursing, care management, allied healthcare, and more, we offer an easy solution to bridge the staffing gap even during the busiest season.
Preparing Your ASC for the Surge
Managing the end-of-year patient surge effectively requires thoughtful planning and strategic resource allocation. Here are some steps you can take to set your staff up for success and prepare for the increased patient volume:
Analyze Historical Data
Review past patient volumes and case types during the same period in previous years to identify trends and anticipate peak times. Pay attention to what types of procedures and appointments are the most common so you can hire or train staff members based on the specific skill sets you’ll need. This data-driven approach will help your ASC accurately forecast staffing requirements and create smarter work schedules during high-demand periods.
Develop a Comprehensive Staffing Plan
Create a robust staffing plan that focuses on your existing team members as well as the need to hire temporary or contingent healthcare professionals. Outline the various staffing needs for different roles, such as surgical technologists, administrative staff, and registered nurses, to make sure you have adequate coverage across all departments. Use real-time data to regularly update and optimize this plan so you can quickly adjust to changing demands.
Implement Retention and Engagement Strategies
Retaining your existing staff is often more important than recruiting new team members. Offer incentives, such as bonuses, flexible scheduling, or other rewards, during peak periods to show your staff you value their hard work. It’s also important to support your team by providing mental health resources and accommodations as needed. Encourage open communication and direct feedback to maintain a healthy work environment.
Explore Temporary Staffing Options
To address potential shortages, consider partnering with a trusted ASC staffing provider. Having access to a pool of qualified professionals can speed up the hiring process, prevent gaps in care, and minimize the risk of employee burnout. Look for a staffing partner who is Joint Commission-certified, specializes in the healthcare field, and has experience sourcing temporary employees to support end-of-year patient surge management.
Leveraging Medix’s Expertise in Seasonal Staffing
With over 20 years of experience in seasonal healthcare staffing, Medix is one of the most trusted partners for ASCs trying to prepare for increased patient volumes at the end of the year. Our extensive network of prescreened and vetted healthcare professionals makes it easy for your ASC to quickly fill temporary and long-term positions so you can maintain seamless operations during the busiest times. Some of the benefits of partnering with us include:
- Access to a diverse, local pool of highly qualified professionals, from certified medical assistants to registered nurses and revenue cycle talent.
- Flexible staffing options, including contract, contract-to-hire, and permanent placements, tailored to meet your center’s unique needs
- Dedicated support from experienced healthcare staffing experts who understand the complexities of working in an ASC environment during surge season
- Partnership with an award-winning, Joint Commission-certified healthcare staffing agency committed to patient care, accountability, and trust.
Don’t wait until your facility is overwhelmed by the end-of-year surge. Start planning now by partnering with Medix to give your ASC a strategic advantage. Whether you need last-minute support or a long-term strategy to maintain high-quality patient care year-round, our healthcare staffing specialists are ready to customize a solution to keep things running smoothly. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation.
