Do You Need Elective Surgery?
If a doctor recommends elective surgery, this is both good and bad news. On the one hand, elective surgery means the patient is not in immediate danger. Rather, surgery is necessary to reduce symptoms or correct an ongoing condition. On the other hand, wait times for elective surgery can vary depending on the hospital, with some patients waiting months. Additionally, some hospitals lack the facilities for safe, quality care. Waiting too long runs the risk of worsening symptoms, higher medical costs, and longer recovery. Choosing a good facility is crucial for the patient’s long-term health.
Choice matters
Most patients will schedule surgery with the presiding physician or current hospital. However, this is not always the best decision. Patients should look for facilities that specialize in minimally invasive surgery. This type of surgery uses buttonhole-like incisions and devices called scopes to reduce incision size, bleeding, and infections. The patient may need to research other hospitals or outpatient facilities in the area that have high satisfaction rates for elective surgery.
The outpatient route
Some patients have the option of having surgery done outpatient. Known as ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), outpatient facilities focus on same-day minimally invasive procedures. In other words, the patient is admitted, receives the surgery, and can go home later in the day. Outpatient surgical centers can perform cosmetic, diagnostic, and repair procedures. When patients decide to go with an ASC, there are several added benefits.
Enjoy high-quality care
ASCs focus on exceptional care for patients. These facilities depend on patient satisfaction to grow and make every effort to keep patients safe and satisfied. The surgeon will use the best available technology to complete the procedure. Qualified nurses and support staff are also available to help. The patient will receive the necessary postoperative support, even when leaving the facility on the same day.
Fewer infections, better results
A hospital or outpatient facility focusing on minimally invasive surgery means increased safety. These spaces do not keep patients overnight, which reduces the chances of infections. Furthermore, the ASC will use techniques and technology to make surgery safer and more efficient. As a result, the patient will have less pain, a low chance of infection, and better results.
Speed matters
Patients having elective surgery may face long wait times at hospitals. Surgeons often get called into emergencies, pushing back the surgery date. Since outpatient facilities focus solely on same-day procedures, the chances of rescheduling drop significantly. The surgeons often work exclusively for the facility, and the chances of getting called away are low. This allows the patient to schedule the procedure at a convenient time, which is then kept.
Don’t elect for poor service
Elective surgery, while not life-threatening, can be a frustrating experience due to long wait times at the hospital. The extensive wait times can increase stress and prolong ineffective non-surgical treatment, increasing costs for the patient. Ambulatory surgical centers can help provide the right balance of speed, timeliness, and safe service.
