Business of EP: EP ASCs, Private Equity - Now or Never, How, Why or Why Not!-Business of EP: EP ASCs, Private Equity

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In the Business of EP session two, hosted by the Heart Rhythm Society 2025 in San Diego, a series of discussions centered on the relevance and future of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and private equity in the evolving field of Electrophysiology (EP). Notable speakers included Scott Greenberg of Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. David Kennesburg from Florida Heart Rhythm Specialists, and Dr. Arash Arellano of Mercy General Hospital. Dr. Kennesburg detailed the process and considerations vital to starting an ASC, emphasizing strategic partnerships and the choice between purchasing or leasing a building. The presentation highlighted the importance of selecting the right partners to handle operational duties, administrations, and possible regulatory issues to ensure success.<br /><br />Dr. Arellano defended the feasibility of performing comprehensive EP procedures, including catheter ablation, in ASCs due to their efficiency, reduced costs, and improved patient access. Counterarguments by Dr. Rakesh Gopinathan emphasized concerns over patient safety, limited reimbursement, associated financial risks, and the arbitrary assumption that complex ablations can be safely performed outside hospitals without extensive data to justify such a shift.<br /><br />The session further explored the role of private equity in EP practices, emphasizing both its potential benefit in operational efficiencies and market-related risks. Experiences shared suggested private equity's growing influence, offering essential resources to innovate and improve efficiency but with caution over possible negative impacts on care quality.<br /><br />The session wrapped up with an engaging debate on the viability and safety of ASCs for complex EP procedures, stressing the need for robust evidence and regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety while continuing to offer cost-effective and efficient healthcare solutions.

Keywords

Electrophysiology

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Private Equity

Heart Rhythm Society

Scott Greenberg

David Kennesburg

Arash Arellano

Catheter Ablation

Patient Safety

Healthcare Innovation