What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?
Ambulatory Surgery Centers, also known as ASCs, are modern healthcare facilities that provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures.
ASCs have transformed the outpatient experience for millions of Americans. They are a more convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures. ASCs have a strong track record of quality care and positive patient outcomes
Thanks to major advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia and pain management, ASCs today routinely and safely perform most outpatient surgery procedures, including total joint replacements.
Because ASCs specialize in the procedures they perform, they can concentrate on patient safety and the patient experience and have an excellent record of safety and quality outcomes for patients.
Like in hospital operating rooms, the surgeons, nurses, and medical professionals in ASCs follow a specific set of protocols and procedures that consistently lead to excellent surgical patient results.
Regulation and Oversight
ASCs function just like hospital outpatient departments, and, like hospitals, ASCs must comply with a wide range of laws, rules, and regulations. Most ASCs are Medicare certified and accredited by major independent healthcare rating agencies.
ASCs are also required to maintain a strict sanitary environment. Every ASC must establish and maintain programs and procedures for preventing infections.
Similarly, ASCs must conduct regular, comprehensive assessments of the quality of care they provide to their patients.
When it comes to the emphasis placed on patient safety, there is no difference between a hospital and a surgery center.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) provide same-day surgical care.
Surgery centers optimize our patients’ experience through clinical quality, convenience, and cost savings.
Convenience: Surgery centers offer patients easy scheduling, convenient access, and short wait times. Our patient satisfaction scores are among the highest in the industry. Many patients specifically cite the distinctive friendliness and efficiency of our teammates.
Cost Savings: On average, our patients pay approximately 45 percent less than they would if they had the identical procedure performed at a hospital. These savings are reflected in patients’ co-pays and co-insurance. The lower cost of care in our facilities also helps lower total healthcare insurance premiums.