The healthcare system has expanded tremendously, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) have become key drivers of change in surgical care. They have revolutionized the manner in which surgeries are conducted, thus availing an option other than hospitals. But first, what is an ambulatory surgery center and how is it shaping the future of medical surgery? Let’s explore.
What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?
An ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is a type of healthcare facility whose functions involve performing surgeries that do not call for an in-patient stay in the hospital. ASCs are not like conventional hospitals. They provide treatment for surgeries that do not require the patient to spend the night, i.e., outpatient surgeries. This type of care is more suitable for the patients. It is also cost-effective as it eliminates delays and the probability of acquiring infections.
The Origins and Benefits of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The idea of ambulatory surgical centers started way back in 1970 when the first ASC was developed in Phoenix, Arizona. Being dissatisfied with the ineffective hospital-based surgery, two remarkable medical practitioners conceived a hospital that focused on patients, time and money.
Today, the benefits of ambulatory surgery centers are well-documented:
- Lower Costs: In general, ASCs provide surgery at 45-60% lower costs than hospitals, which helps patients and taxpayers. This cost-efficiency does not decrease the quality of the services.
- Enhanced Safety: Infectious diseases are much less prevalent in ASCs because these facilities offer a high level of disease control. While hospitals expose their patients to different health risks through exposure, ASCs keep tight measures to ensure patient safety.
- Accessibility and Convenience: ASCs are typically situated in areas that are easy to access therefore, patients can easily access them. To physicians, ASCs offer organizational decision-making authority that results in the improvement of hospital work environment and quality of care hence improving job satisfaction and patient satisfaction.
How to Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center
Selecting the right ASC is crucial for ensuring a positive surgical experience. Here are some factors to consider:
- Location: Select an ASC that is easily accessible so that patients do not undergo too much stress during travel and the follow-ups are easy.
- Accreditation: Make sure that the ASC is accredited by recognized authoritative bodies like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare, which assures the facility’s best practices.
- Surgeon Credentials: Make sure that the surgeons are board-certified or eligible for their particular specialties to confirm their competence.
- Facility Amenities: Choose ASCs that provide patients with comfortable amenities including private bed en-suite and clean environments. Punctuality, cleanliness, and a friendly environment will help create a better feeling during the service.
- Cost: List the prices of a few medical procedures at several ASCs. It is imperative to note that while ASCs are cheaper than hospitals, the price may differ depending on the procedure or insurance plan.
- Patient Satisfaction: The quality of care at an ASC can be established by going through customer reviews online or to speak to past patients.
- Consult with Your Doctor: It is always wise to seek advice from your doctor, especially on which ASC should be chosen to cater to your unique medical situation.
Types of Surgeries Performed at ASCs
Ambulatory surgical centers are equipped to handle a wide range of procedures, making them a versatile option for patients. Some common surgeries performed at ASCs include:
- Eye Surgery: Common surgical procedures such as cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment are often conducted in ASCs, which provide patients with specialized interventions.
- Gastrointestinal Procedures: Surgery procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy and polyp/lesion removal are typical in the open structure of an ASC.
- Orthopedic Surgeries: ASCs also perform various joint repairs, bunionectomies and even simple surgeries such as the treatment of ingrown toenails.
- Gynecological Procedures: From simple procedures such as D&Cs to even complex laparoscopic procedures, ASCs accommodate the various needs of women’s health.
- Pain Management: Another specialty of most ASCs is administering chronic pain treatments such as epidural and facet joint injections.
- Cosmetic Procedures: COS within ASCs includes minor procedures like mole excisions and skin flap surgeries, which have less recovery time than hospitals.
The Cost of Surgery at an ASC
When it comes to the benefits of ambulatory surgery centers, cost savings are perhaps the most obvious and notable one. ASCs charge an average of $1,500 for procedures, as opposed to the average of $3,500 charged at hospitals. This is because ASCs are not as large as hospitals. Therefore, they do not possess the overhead costs associated with a hospital.
In addition, ASCs tend to get better reimbursement from insurance providers, meaning that consumers are likely to incur fewer costs. This makes ASCs a perfect place for anyone who needs a quality surgical procedure, cheaper than in the hospital.
The Future of Ambulatory Surgery Centers
The increasing number of surgical centers also supports the changing direction toward patient-oriented, cost-effective treatment facilities. Research indicates that ASCs perform well in terms of quality and satisfaction and perform better than hospital-based surgeries.
For this reason, ASCs are likely to continue to grow as the need for outpatient surgeries increases. Today, they carry out about 30-50% of all outpatient operations, depending on the profile of the healthcare facility. This growth trend is expected to persist at 6-7%t per year, signifying the significance of ASCs in today’s healthcare industry.
Conclusion
Outpatient surgery centers have changed surgical care experience by making it affordable, safe, and convenient compared to hospital-based care. Thus, ASCs are expected to greatly impact the development of surgical treatment in the future, effectively meeting patients’ needs for quality and accessible, affordable services.
It is crucial to learn the effects of ASCs irrespective of your choice regarding a small surgery or being a surgical patient. ASCs are steadily growing and enhancing their technologies; therefore, they have the potential to be the norm for outpatient surgeries.
