H
ealthcare systems are under pressure to improve margins and effectiveness in the face of declining reimbursement rates. To achieve this, hospitals are adopting lean strategies, reducing costs, and streamlining processes while enhancing patient experience, access, and outcomes. Many health systems are expanding their footprint through creative ambulatory strategies, deploying facilities in strategic locations that incorporate branded appearances and programmatic design to build brand awareness and speed to market.

    Research and trusted partnerships are crucial for the successful implementation of this strategy. Developing a new facility is not enough; building the right one in the right location requires careful consideration. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), urgent care outposts, and freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) have proven successful models that offer patients improved quality, ease of access, and customer service at reduced costs.

    The trend towards outpatient procedures is gaining traction as patients and payors become increasingly unwilling to pay high hospital rates. Health systems are opening ASCs for lower-acuity procedures, which can be performed more efficiently and cost-effectively. FSEDs can capture patient volume from suburban areas, expanding the patient base and providing a platform for higher acuity services when needed.

    To succeed in healthcare development, hospital administrations must build trusted relationships with designers, engineers, construction managers, and developers experienced in health care real estate. A research-driven strategy with dependable partners is essential to navigate the complexities of healthcare facilities development and achieve speed to market.