The ambulatory endoscopy center (AEC): what it can do for your gastroenterology practice

Endoscopy accounts for most of the gastroenterologist's professional time and revenue. The thoughtful gastroenterologist in practice must understand the potential sites of service for endoscopy, including either the hospital endoscopy unit or an ambulatory endoscopy center (whether an office endoscopy suite or a licensed, certified, and accredited ambulatory surgery center). Out-of-hospital endoscopy centers have advantages for patients, including convenience, efficiency, economy, and more pleasant surroundings than the hospital. Payers appreciate improved access and reduced costs. For gastrointestinal practices, ambulatory endoscopy centers, particularly ambulatory surgery centers, provide significant advantages, including enhanced reimbursement and cost management, control, efficiency and convenience, quality control, opportunities for clinical research, and marketing and competitive strengths.