Siemens White Paper Focuses on Growth of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

ISELIN, N.J., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In-depth interviews with top hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Centers' (ASC) executives revealed the many benefits of the stand-alone centers from both financial and patient-care perspectives in a new white paper sponsored by Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS Inc.)

The white paper titled "Jewels in the Hospital Crown" reported that ASCs have emerged as a vital tool in the containment and reduction of hospital-related health-care costs.  "The trend toward increased use of ASCs will absolutely continue through health-care reform," said Dr. Jane H. Thorpe, professor at George Washington University's School of Public Health and Health Services. ASCs represent "a best model for care that is safe and effective, both from healthcare outcomes and cost perspectives."

Executives interviewed at five hospitals that own or partly-own ASCs, along with interviews of additional ASC experts, revealed that surgery centers operating outside the hospital setting deliver multiple benefits, among them:

• concentrated use of equipment and staff
• reduced supply costs
• highly focused processes and procedures
• increased patient access to medical care, and
• an extremely high patient satisfaction rate.

The paper has just been released by SFS Inc. and can be viewed at http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcarefinance and deals with the challenges of fiscal planning while these hospitals continually strive to increase efficiencies and improve patient care.

About Siemens Financial Services

Siemens Financial Services (SFS) is an international provider of financial solutions in the business-to-business area. With about 2,000 employees and an international network of financial companies coordinated by Siemens Financial Services GmbH, Munich, SFS supports Siemens as well as non-affiliated companies, focusing on the three sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. SFS finances infrastructure, equipment and working capital and act as a competent manager of financial risks within Siemens. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/finance.

Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS Inc.) the US unit of Siemens Financial Services is a leading provider of business-to-business financial services in the United States. SFS Inc. is a committed business ally that combines deep industry expertise with integrated financing solutions to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of its customers. The company, based in Iselin, NJ, enables business expansion for thousands of customers in the healthcare, energy, and industrial sectors by providing customized solutions that range from equipment financing and working capital to project and export finance, and insurance solutions. Further information on Siemens Financial Services in the United States:  www.usa.siemens.com/finance.

About Siemens

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, and operates in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors.  For more than 160 years, Siemens has built a reputation for leading-edge innovation and the quality of its products, services and solutions.  With 405,000 employees in 190 countries, Siemens reported worldwide revenue of $104.3 billion in fiscal 2009.  With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA reported revenue of $21.3 billion and employs approximately 64,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information on Siemens in the United States, visit www.usa.siemens.com.

SOURCE Siemens Financial Services, Inc.