Building a Surgery Center

The need for building surgery centers continues to increase across the world. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that there are 48.3 million surgical procedures are completed in the US each year. From the study completed in 2010 it was found that 53% of those surgical procedures are performed in hospitals with 47% being performed in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC). Furthermore, surgical procedure numbers continue to grow and the need for surgery centers are growing with it.

Whether patients are looking for orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, or plastic surgeons, having easily accessible centers is the first step in filling the schedules. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at what it takes to build a surgery center and how we can help you achieve that goal.

Location

You hear it a lot; "it's all about the location," and surgical facilities are no different. When building a surgery center, according to Brian Cich of Health Facilities Management, you should be looking for convenience of access to your facility, a high visibility area and proximity to other facilities. In other words, the strategic placement of your surgery center is crucial to its success. Utilize resources that measure demographics to narrow down your selection. The Census Bureau has free population and healthcare coverage data you can utilize to determine location. Finally, keep these questions in mind:

• Are there any surgery centers nearby that provide the same surgical procedures?
• Will your center be near or included in a medical plaza? 
• Are any local buildings already zoned for medical use with available space?
• Is there benefit from being next door to a hospital or specialist office?
• How large is the population and market for the single specialty or multi-specialty you wish to establish?
• How many surgeons are in the area that can bring existing patients to your center?

Remember, we live in an age of convenience.  You can build an extravagant surgery center, but make sure its location is convenient for your surgeons and patients.

Building a New Surgery Center vs. Renovating an Old Building

Once you have marked your ideal location for the surgery center, you can decide whether to build a new building or locate an existing one in the area to renovate.

Building a new Surgery Center


Building new allows you to design the ASC to have your desired layout. You have control over everything from the floor plan, down to the where the electrical outlets are installed. Different suites can be sectioned off and you can install large doorways and hallways allowing for easier maneuverability of patients and equipment. Building new will ensure the surgery center is up to code with electrical and insulation, as well as being OSHA certified. For more information on building a new surgery center, check out this article by E. Casey that lays out 30 Tips for Designing and Building an Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Renovating an old space

Purchasing an existing building for your ASC may mean fewer time restraints due to weather, contractor’s schedules, etc. Also, there will already be plumbing and electrical throughout the facility and a basic floor layout. If you are able to use portions of the existing layout, the construction costs can be drastically lower. Before jumping into a renovation, there are few high cost points to consider are:

• Can the floor layout be changed?
• Are there supporting walls where I would need open space?
• Will I need to re-route plumbing or electrical work to allow for autoclaves to be installed where I need them?
• Is the building compliant?
• Will there be any issues getting the building zoned for medical use?
• Are there any OSHA regulations that may cause issues?

There are pros and cons of both building and renovating for your ASC. Take your time. Collect quotes, look closely at floor plans, timelines, and budget to ensure the best process for your facility. 

Equipment for the Surgery Center

Once you have your plans and layout decided on next, you will need to start looking at equipment. Importantly, from stretchers to autoclaves, warming cabinets to IV poles, you will want to ensure all equipment needs are met.


Undoubtedly, timing will be crucial during this step. Coupled with some medical equipment not being readily available to ship, it may also be on back-order. Allowing for an ample amount of time will save you money (think of expedited shipping costs) and headaches.


When your medical equipment arrives to your ASC, you will need to schedule a timeline for proper installation. First, do your research and ensure that your installation techs have all licenses and certifications that are required for a medical facility. Additionally, with having the licenses, the technicians that you hire should know all building codes for a medical facility and be able to assist you with any forms or paperwork you will need for your inspection prior to opening.

Obtaining the Medical Equipment

At Didage, we are a one-stop-shop for your surgery center equipment needs. Our team can help you with the purchase of surgical tables and stretchers, mattresses, physician seating, power equipment, and other surgical tools. 

We have developed this excel sheet that lays out all the equipment you will need for your ambulatory surgery center. This will help ensure you don't miss a thing! 

Below we have laid out some popular equipment needs for surgical facilities. 

Surgical Equipment offered by Didage

Along with surgical tables and bases, we also offer other medical equipment you will need for your surgery center.

Surgical Tables

Electrosurgical Generators

Patient Monitors

Patient Positioners

Power Equipment such as Stryker System 7 or System 8

Sterile Processing Equipment

Warming Cabinets

Medical Carts

Scrub Sink

Physician Seating & Lobby Seating

Patient Stretchers and Transports

And much more!

Since we can offer you different brands of refurbished and new medical equipment, we are a one-stop-shop for your new surgery center.

Final Steps of Building a Surgery Center

Before you can officially open the doors you will need to have a life safety inspection done, state licensing (if applicable in your state), and any accreditation required. To emphasize, this process could take months to complete. In fact, the process cannot begin until your facility is complete, and you have obtained your Certificate of Occupancy. Undoubtedly, this final step should be integrated into your initial timeline to help reduce the chance of a delay in your opening date.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website is a great tool to learn more about the Life Safety Code and other important information regarding a new surgical facility. 

Overall, the success of opening a new Ambulatory Surgery Center comes down to data collection and research, a lot of planning, some new equipment, and eager staff.