irASC or ASC/OBL? What Should I Call My Center?

The landscape of outpatient healthcare is rapidly evolving, and physicians are embracing the opportunity to provide specialized care in more accessible and convenient settings. Two popular models that have gained prominence are Interventional Radiology Ambulatory Surgery Centers (irASCs) and the hybrid model of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) combined with Office-Based Labs (OBLs). As physicians venture into this realm, they are faced with an important decision: what should I call my center?

Before making a decision let’s clarify the terminology:

irASC: Interventional Radiology Ambulatory Surgery Center. This model is designed to offer interventional radiology procedures in an outpatient setting. It allows interventional radiologists to perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures in a specialized facility.

ASC/OBL Hybrid: A hybrid model that combines the capabilities of an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) with an Office-Based Lab (OBL). It offers a broader range of services, with ASC procedures performed on certain days and OBL services on others.

The decision between irASC and ASC/OBL will depend on your center’s specialty focus, desired scope of services, market perception, and regulatory considerations.

Above all, prioritize clear communication with your patients and referring physicians. The chosen name should effectively convey the center’s purpose, specialization, and commitment to providing high-quality outpatient care. As the outpatient healthcare landscape continues to evolve, a well-chosen name will play a crucial role in establishing your center’s identity and reputation in the medical community.