Last week in Las Vegas, the National Infusion Center Association (NICA) hosted a phenomenal conference. Known for throwing both a great party and a top-notch educational event, NICA did not disappoint. Infusion industry leaders from all over the country gathered to discuss the latest trends and strategies in our field. Among the hundreds of conversations I had, three hot topics emerged as the key focus areas of NICA 2024.
Payer Access
A significant concern among new providers is gaining access to payer networks. As the landscape of infusion therapy evolves, it’s becoming increasingly critical for infusion centers to develop comprehensive plans to enter and expand within these networks. The discussions highlighted the necessity for strategic approaches to network access, ensuring that providers can offer their services to a broader patient base. The ability to navigate and secure payer relationships will be a defining factor for the success of many infusion centers moving forward.
Intake is the Foundation
One of the most emphasized points at the conference was the importance of financial intake. Many providers have learned, sometimes the hard way, that intake is the bedrock of their operations. A robust intake process is crucial because it sets the stage for all subsequent activities. Without a strong intake resource, infusion centers face significant challenges, which can hinder their overall performance and financial health. Ensuring that intake processes are efficient and thorough is now recognized as a vital component of operational success.
The Successful Equation: Doing More with Less Labor
Maximizing volume and profit while managing labor costs is a delicate balance for Ambulatory Infusion Centers (AICs). The need to increase patient volume and enhance profitability often clashes with the goal of maintaining an all-American workforce. Many providers realize that the key to success is optimizing their labor strategies. This has led to a growing interest in global workforce solutions, such as those offered by Prochant. By outsourcing revenue cycle and intake work, AICs can achieve greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, allowing them to handle more volume without compromising on quality or incurring prohibitive labor costs.
Prochant is proud to support the National Infusion Center Association, and we are already looking forward to next year’s conference in Miami. The insights and connections made at NICA 2024 will undoubtedly drive our industry forward, and we are excited to be a part of this dynamic and evolving field.