Is an Ambulatory Surgery Center the Right Choice for You?

Is an Ambulatory Surgery Center the Right Choice for You? By Sarah Dencker, vice president of care services at Network Health

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have changed the outpatient experience for a lot of people in the U.S. By providing patients a convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures, ASCs have given people more control over their health care.

What is an ASC?

ASCs are modern health care facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. This means that patients treated at an ASC do not require admission to a hospital following their procedure. Sometimes referred to as outpatient surgery centers or sameday surgery centers, ASCs do not offer emergency services and usually do not offer overnight stays.

Why choose an ASC?

ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) may offer identical services, but they can vary greatly in cost.

ASCs offer many of the same surgical procedures as HOPDs— joint replacement, rotator cuff repair and knee arthroscopy, as well as other services, like MRIs and injections. However, ASCs generally offer these at a significantly lower cost than HOPDs. In fact, outpatient joint replacements performed in an ASC may cost as much as 40 percent less than those performed in a hospital. Other procedures, such as rotator cuff repair and knee arthroscopy, may cost over 50 percent less.

Lower cost sharing is another potential benefit of using an ASC. Check your plan benefits to see if your copayments would be less if you were to choose an ASC for a procedure. You can also call our member experience team with questions. You can find the number on the back of your member ID card.

It is important for members to understand that the quality of health care provided by surgery centers is equal to, if not higher than, the quality of health care offered by hospitals. Keep in mind that the surgeons have the same credentials to operate in both hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. Because ASCs specialize in the procedures they perform, they can concentrate on patient safety and the patient experience. ASCs also have an excellent record of safety and quality outcomes for patients. The difference in price can be attributed to how outpatient surgery centers are structured and their ability to see more patients in a shorter timeframe.

What types of procedures can be done at an ASC?

Many procedures can be safely done at an ASC. Here are some of the most common. • Cataract surgery • EGDs • Colonoscopies • Pain injections • Knee arthroscopies (scope) • Total knee and hip arthroplasties (replacement) • Carpal tunnel surgery • MRIs • Injections

How can you tell the difference between an ASC and an HOPD?

A hospital outpatient department is owned by, and typically attached to, a hospital. An ASC, however, is considered a standalone facility.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you whether you want to use an ASC or an HOPD for a procedure. It is important to inform yourself of all the options before you make the decision that’s best for you. Check your benefit plan, consult with doctors or call Network Health’s member experience team 800-378-5234 (TTY 800-947-3529), Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to get your questions answered. Find out what’s best for you.