Is It Time for a New or Used Robot?

Momentum is growing in ASCs for platforms once deemed out of reach. Ask these three questions before joining the movement.

Competition, cost-effectiveness and patient demand are bringing robotic platforms to surgery centers that wouldn’t have even considered such a high-ticket investment only a decade ago.

While significant barriers remain for smaller facilities, there’s no doubt robotic platforms are no longer viewed as hospital-exclusive equipment. In fact, data from Research and Markets estimates the U.S. surgical robotic market, currently valued at $2.35 billion by the market research firm, could grow to $4.14 billion by 2040.

Key considerations

Outpatient Surgery Magazine (OSM) has spoken extensively with facility leaders and industry experts about the finer points of purchasing a robotic platform. They offer these perspectives to some big questions facilities have about making the jump.

• Can we finally afford it? Much has changed on the cost side of things. Vendors now offer incentives to mitigate the significant capital expenditure required to acquire a surgical robot, including longer-term payment plans. In fact, some will agree to partially offset the major upfront cost of a robot by contracting with the surgical facility for their implants and disposables.

Ultimately, the cost question requires a 30,000-foot perspective on your center’s needs and long-term goals. “It all depends on how a center views the robot. For some, it’s a must-have.

For others, it’s a nice-to-have,” Raghu Reddy, chief administrative officer of SurgCenter of Western Maryland in Cumberland, told OSM. He says performing a cost-benefit analysis is crucial to ensure the numbers work for your facility. The analysis should take into account case volumes, the local competitive landscape and the needs of clinical staff, among other factors.

• Can we do a test run? Surgery Center of Fairbanks in Alaska had witnessed that demand for robotic joint replacements among potential patients in its community was forcing them to drive at least five hours for their surgeries to a facility that could accommodate them. This informed its decision to invest in a robotic platform in a way that worked for the center. It worked with a manufacturer to lease a refurbished robot. “Just a few years ago, a robot was out of reach cost-wise for such a small market. It’s exciting to see this changing,” Surgery Center of Fairbanks’ Neal Everson, DO, told OSM.

• Will it bring in patients and physicians? Setting your facility apart in a highly competitive marketplace is a constant mission for surgery centers. Younger generations of orthopedic surgeons have trained in this tech from the start, so investing in robotic systems allows outpatient facilities to compete for this next generation of surgeons coming out of residency programs who expect to work in ORs that house these platforms. Patient appeal also should not be underestimated — especially by orthopedic providers in an especially crowded specialty. As Mr. Reddy points out, “Competition drives what the offerings are going to be. If you are in a very highly competitive market, robotics might be what drives patient volume to your ASC.” OSM