Radiation treatment

EHM talks to Rock A. Morphis, CEO of US Radiosurgery about what it takes to develop a radiosurgery program.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the most accurate form of radiation treatment, has been used to successfully treat tumors and lesions of the brain since the late 60s, and its outcomes are excellent. As technology advances, newer machines like the CyberKnife and the Novalis Tx provide this type of treatment for tumors and lesions throughout the body. However, the equipment and the expertise needed to operate it require an extraordinary investment which is often difficult for hospitals to provide given the scope of their services. 

US Radiosurgery provides a unique opportunity for hospitals and physicians who want to offer this service. By focusing solely on stereotactic radiosurgery, we have created a proven method of developing and managing these centers that increases their propensity for success. 

Picking a partner    
When choosing a partner for a radiosurgery project, the most significant factor is experience.  Because the total body form of this treatment is still relatively new, there are not many companies with expertise in this field. These projects require capital, resources and expertise specifically related to full body stereotactic radiosurgery. With several successful operational facilities and more under construction and development, US Radiosurgery has more experience than any other company. 

Reducing risk
Financial risk is most easily mitigated by choosing an appropriate partner that will help shoulder some of the financial burden and who has the experience to encourage the continued success of the facility. Because we have been partnering with physicians and hospitals in various capacities for over 25 years, we have a long track record of success that enables us to offer very attractive financing to our partners. Furthermore, as an experienced partner, we ensure that our facilities are well-managed on a daily basis so they remain financially successful.

Benefits
It is extremely important to determine exactly what types of benefits you will receive when choosing a partner for a project as sizeable as a radiosurgery center. US Radiosurgery ensures that the physicians and hospitals we work with are afforded every opportunity for success. Some of the many services we provide are:  

• Due diligence and market research to determine the ability of the community to support the technology
• Standardized legal and regulatory documents
• Vault design and construction management
• Attractive financing options
• Staff hiring, training and human resource management and support
• Supplemental on site training for physicists and physicians in addition to manufacturer training
• Marketing planning, implementation and success tracking
• Patient awareness and physician outreach programs
• Clinical database with shared treatment plan examples among all USR facilities
• Information technology (remote planning to physicians offices)
• Policies and procedures
• Daily operational and clinical support

Stereotactic radiosurgery facilities offer many ancillary benefits for hospital partners as well including increased revenue to the radiology department, growth in outpatient and inpatient case volumes, positive public relations in the community and the ability to attract new physicians who are interested in cutting edge technology to the campus.

The potential of a stereotactic radiosurgery program is great but the risks can be equally as substantial. An appropriate partner can make all the difference. US Radiosurgery’s focus and commitment to excellence in stereotactic radiosurgery ensures that our partners are always able to offer superior, quality, innovative care to their community.

Rock A. Morphis is the CEO of US Radiosurgery and a Managing Director of Heritage Group, an investment and advisory firm which focuses on early stage healthcare opportunities. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Morphis has served in numerous executive positions within Heritage Group’s portfolio of companies.