What Can You Have Done At An ASC?
With numerous technological advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain management, ASCs have grown both in the types and quantities of surgeries performed. In the early stages of development, typical procedures at ASCs were cataract surgery, colonoscopies, epidural injections for spinal pain, and other similar surgeries. Today almost any surgery that does not require an overnight stay can be done at an ambulatory surgery center.
What surgeries are available?
Some of the complex procedures available at ASCs include those for joints, bones, ear, nose, and throat, plastic, reconstructive, and even abdominal. The progress made with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has contributed significantly to ASC growth. In MIS, tiny incisions are required, resulting in decreased anesthesia, pain, and recovery time.
Making surgery easier
No one looks forward to surgery. No one wants to deal with delays in scheduling or the actual surgery. Not only do ambulatory surgery centers offer ease of scheduling, but also incur fewer delays since procedures are typically scheduled and not emergencies. Another attraction of ASCs is the typical locations that are away from busy medical centers, allowing easy access and parking.
Cost savings at ASCs
Medical care is expensive, but ambulatory surgery centers have found a way to decrease those costs. By specializing in what procedures are done and being structured to function efficiently, ambulatory surgery centers enjoy cost savings and pass those savings along to the insurance carriers and patients. Studies have shown out-of-pocket savings ranging from 45-60% for patients using an ambulatory surgery center.
Safety and quality at ambulatory surgery centers
ASCs are required to meet federal and state guidelines the same as hospitals. Licensure requires not only passing an initial inspection but ongoing compliance with regulations and reporting. Ambulatory surgery centers typically hold Medicare certification, and many voluntarily participate in accreditation programs and independent healthcare rating agencies. ASCs have been shown to have a lower rate of infection, partially due to the avoidance of scheduling patients with known infection.
Even more benefits
Another critical factor in quality and safety at ASCs is the focus on a select number of procedures that allow the staff to perfect performance. Patients using an ambulatory surgery center have reported a much higher overall satisfaction rating with care provided. Speak with a healthcare provider to learn more about scheduling outpatient surgery at an ASC.
