Cost containment efforts and emerging surgical technologies are driving the growth of ambulatory surgery centers (“ASCs”). Both Medicare and managed care organizations prefer low-cost ASCs to higher-cost hospital operating rooms, and therefore enjoy contracting with ASCs. Furthermore, emerging surgical technologies enable surgeons and other physicians to perform procedures more cost-effectively. Such technologies include arthroscopic and endoscopic instruments, surgical lasers and new anesthetic agents and techniques. As a result, the number of ASCs is growing by seven percent annually and the volume of ambulatory surgeries is growing by 10 percent annually. In 2000 alone, over seven million surgeries were performed at almost 3,200 ASCs nationally. (Source: SMG Marketing)

Physicians and their patients also derive significant benefits from ASCs. Physicians enhance control over their practice settings and make informed decisions about resource allocation and use, while enjoying attractive financial returns. Patients receive care in more inviting, convenient and efficient facilities.

Surgical Health Partners, LLC (“SHP”), a division of HealthMark Partners, Inc., pursues excellence in ambulatory surgical management through physician empowerment. SHP has assembled an experienced management team that has developed various solutions to help physicians to own and operate ambulatory surgery centers.