Key Considerations for Transitioning to an Office-Based Surgery Suite

Making the leap to an in-office surgery suite is both an exciting and strategic move for practices. It provides the opportunity to offer patients a highly personalized experience while maintaining full control over the surgical environment. However, transitioning to this innovative model requires careful planning and expert guidance.  

Dr. Lance Kugler, a leading ophthalmologist at Kugler Vision in Omaha, NE, embarked on this transition and shared his insights. Below, we explore the challenges he faced, how they were overcome, and the benefits of an office-based surgical suite.  

The Shift to Office-Based Surgery  

Prior to 2016, Dr. Kugler performed cataract procedures at an ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) located across town. While the ASC offered excellent equipment and delivered a satisfactory patient experience, Dr. Kugler envisioned providing the kind of streamlined, personalized care his LASIK patients experienced within his own clinic. This vision fueled his transition to office-based cataract surgery.  

As with many surgeons considering this move, Dr. Kugler initially had concerns regarding safety standards, staff training, and anesthesia methods. Here's how these challenges were addressed and overcome.  

Safety Standards Reimagined  

Office-based cataract surgery is conducted in a fully equipped operating suite that mirrors the safety, sterility, and protocols of an ASC.  

Dr. Kugler ensured his suite met rigorous safety standards by partnering with iOR Partners. A landmark Kaiser Permanente study involving over 21,000 cases found that safety outcomes are similar or better in an office-based suite than an ASC. Dr. Kugler performed additional office-based safety cases and found that in-office surgery outcomes matched the exceptional safety profile of ASCs. Additionally, data from over 49,000 iOR-facilitated procedures underscored the consistency of these outcomes.  

“This gave me confidence that my office-based cataract suite could meet the same safety expectations as an ASC,” said Dr. Kugler.  

Building a Skilled Surgical Team  

One of Dr. Kugler's initial concerns was staff competency. His team had no prior experience with intraocular surgeries, and he worried about hiring an entirely new surgical team. However, iOR Partners stepped in with a comprehensive training program designed to transform existing staff members into experts.  

“We were able to train them to be, honestly, the best OR team I’ve ever worked with,” noted Dr. Kugler.  

The program focused on surgical roles, protocols, and workflows, creating a proficient and confident team equipped to deliver an outstanding surgical experience.  

Exploring Safer Anesthesia Options  

Traditionally, cataract surgeries use IV sedation, but Dr. Kugler shifted to oral and sublingual anesthesia after learning from peers and experimenting at his ASC. This transition not only simplified the process but improved patient comfort, as they no longer felt like "hospital patients" during surgery.  

Dr. Kugler now champions the use of oral sedation, describing it as both safer and more relaxed for patients, ensuring a smoother surgical experience for all involved.  

The Value of Expertise in Transition  

Undertaking the move to an office-based surgical suite requires precise execution. It involves designing a space that meets OR standards, selecting the right surgical equipment, training a capable team, navigating accreditation, and streamlining billing and surgical processes.  

Dr. Kugler attributed his seamless transition to his partnership with iOR Partners, the only company solely dedicated to ophthalmic office-based surgery solutions. The tailored expertise they brought to the table helped Kugler Vision set up their surgical suite efficiently, without any downtime in operations.  

“Their focus on integrating clinic and surgery quickly and effectively was invaluable,” said Dr. Kugler.  

Why Choose iOR Partners?  

At iOR Partners, we empower practices to reimagine surgical excellence. With a mission to streamline office-based surgery, we provide turnkey solutions that include everything from space planning and staff training to equipment setup and billing assistance.  

Key Advantages of Partnering with iOR Partners: 

• Safety Above All Else: Our iOR suites meet the exact safety protocols of ASCs.  

• Seamless Team Training: We transform your existing team into a best-in-class OR unit.  

• Efficiency in Operations: Our expertise enables practices to transition without surgery downtime.  

• Tailored Solutions: Every suite is designed and customized to meet the unique needs of your practice.  
  

A Future of Personalized, Innovative Patient Care  

Successful transitions to office-based surgery create opportunities for unparalleled patient care alongside full operational control. Surgeons like Dr. Kugler showcase how leveraging the expertise of iOR Partners can help practices overcome challenges, reduce costs, and enhance patient satisfaction.  

Backed by decades of expertise, iOR Partners ensures ophthalmologists can set up state-of-the-art, fully accredited surgical suites in just months—with zero surgical downtime.  

If you're ready to take your surgical practice to the next level, choose iOR Partners as your trusted guide. Get started with a complimentary feasibility analysis.