Today, the podiatry field is undergoing a quiet but powerful revolution. Thanks to advances in technology and healthcare logistics, foot and ankle surgeons no longer have to rely solely on hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Enter the Office-Based Surgical Suite (OBS) a practical, cost-effective, and highly efficient solution that aligns perfectly with the needs of modern podiatric practices.

At the forefront of this movement is DR. TJ Ahn, a respected podiatrist, entrepreneur, and educator who has championed the OBS model as a game-changer. Through his podiatry business consulting, Dr. Ahn has helped countless professionals transition into this advanced setup successfully.

Why an Office-Based Surgical Suite?
Building a surgical suite within your podiatric office comes with a long list of benefits—both for the surgeon and the patient. These aren’t minor tweaks. They're transformative upgrades that elevate the standard of care.

Key Advantages for Podiatrists
Autonomy and Control
OBS setups give podiatrists the flexibility to run their surgical schedule without being tied to hospital timelines or red tape.

Reduced Costs and Higher Profitability
Office-based procedures eliminate hospital overhead and allow doctors to capture more of the reimbursement directly.

Time Efficiency
More procedures can be done in less time. Patients are seen, treated, and discharged faster, making the practice more productive.

Better Workflow Integration
OBS integrates seamlessly into daily clinical work, allowing for a streamlined and consistent patient experience.

Key Advantages for Patients
More Comfortable Environment
Being treated in a familiar office setting reduces stress and builds trust.

Shorter Wait Times
Hospital procedures can be delayed or rescheduled. OBS ensures faster treatment and recovery.

Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
Without hospital fees, patients save significantly.

Lower Infection Risks
OBS reduces exposure to hospital-acquired infections and complications.

DR. TJ Ahn's Proven Office-Based Surgical Suite Blueprint
Dr. Ahn has built a fully functional surgical suite within his podiatry office. Measuring approximately 15' x 15', the suite is compact but fully equipped. His design shows that you don’t need a massive space to offer exceptional surgical care.

What’s Inside Dr. Ahn’s Surgical Suite?
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Allows accurate, real-time imaging for soft tissue evaluation.

Mini C-arm (Fluoroscopy)
Essential for procedures involving bone or hardware placement.

MLS Laser Machine
Enhances post-operative recovery and pain management.

Shock Wave Therapy Equipment
Used for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy.

Osada Drill Set
For minimally invasive bone procedures.

Digital Tourniquet System
Ensures safe, consistent blood flow control during procedures.

Sterile Processing Area
Includes autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaner, and full instrument sterilization systems.

Every detail, from lighting to airflow, has been optimized for sterile procedures. This approach reflects Dr. Ahn’s commitment to clinical excellence and safety.

Creating Your Own Office-Based Surgical Suite
Transitioning to an OBS model is highly achievable—but it requires planning, investment, and guidance.

Steps to Implementation
Assess Your Office Layout
Identify a room large enough (ideally 12'x12' minimum) with the capacity for surgical infrastructure.

Purchase Essential Equipment
Start with basics: ultrasound, autoclave, surgical instruments, and imaging tools like a C-arm.

Build a Surgical Workflow
Map out a clear protocol from patient prep to discharge, including sterilization, anesthesia, and documentation.

Train Your Staff
Everyone, from medical assistants to front desk personnel, must understand surgical protocols and patient flow.

Stay Compliant
While not always required, following AAAHC or JCAHO guidelines can boost your credibility and safety practices.

How Podiatry Business Consulting from DR. TJ Ahn Helps You Succeed
Dr. Ahn doesn’t just talk about OBS—he teaches others how to build it. Through his podiatry business consulting services and the MIFAS Accelerator 2.0 program, he helps podiatrists:

Transition to minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery

Set up surgical suites that are compliant, functional, and efficient

Build high-revenue procedures directly into their practice

Boost clinical skills with advanced training

Market their practice for long-term growth

What’s Included in the MIFAS Accelerator 2.0?
Weekly Live Coaching Calls
Get ongoing support and ask questions in real-time.

Surgical Video Library
Step-by-step minimally invasive procedure walkthroughs.

Private Online Community
Share insights, wins, and challenges with other doctors in the program.

Marketing and Practice Growth Tools
Learn how to promote your OBS suite and stand out in your local market.

Dr. Ahn is passionate about helping other podiatrists succeed because he’s been in their shoes. His consulting isn’t theory—it’s based on real-world results.

In-Depth Questions and Answers
What procedures can safely be performed in an office-based surgical suite?
OBS setups are ideal for minimally invasive foot and ankle surgeries. Common procedures include:

Bunion corrections

Hammertoe repairs

Neuroma excisions

Soft tissue mass removals

Nail matrixectomies

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis treatments

Thanks to local anesthesia and advanced imaging tools, these procedures are low-risk and efficient. With the right sterilization and workflow in place, they meet or exceed the safety of hospital procedures.

How do I manage anesthesia in an office-based setting?
Most procedures in an OBS suite are done under local anesthesia. This eliminates the need for a dedicated anesthesiologist or complicated sedation monitoring.

You can use digital tourniquets and long-acting anesthetics like bupivacaine to ensure patient comfort. For patients who are anxious, oral anxiolytics (like diazepam) can be administered under supervision.

The key is to have emergency protocols and equipment available just in case, including oxygen, AED, and reversal agents.

How much space is really needed for an office-based surgical suite?
You don’t need a hospital-sized room. A functional OBS suite can fit within a 12’ x 12’ to 15’ x 15’ space. What matters more than size is layout:

Equipment must be easily accessible.

Sterile and non-sterile areas should be clearly separated.

Airflow and lighting should support cleanroom standards.

Dr. TJ Ahn’s suite proves that a well-planned space can rival any outpatient surgical center in functionality.

Is it worth the investment for a small or solo podiatry practice?
Absolutely. Even solo podiatrists can benefit from OBS integration. The return on investment includes:

Better control over procedure scheduling

Higher reimbursement for in-office surgeries

More patient referrals due to faster turnaround and comfort

Reduced need to coordinate with hospitals or surgical centers

Dr. Ahn’s consulting shows how to balance clinical care and business outcomes, making OBS a profitable decision even for small practices.

Conclusion
Building an Office-Based Surgical Suite is no longer a dream reserved for large medical groups. With the guidance of DR. TJ Ahn, it becomes a practical, profitable, and highly rewarding transformation for any podiatrist looking to grow.

From increased autonomy and reduced costs to better patient outcomes and elevated surgical skills, the OBS model is changing the game.