Is an Ambulatory Surgical Center Right 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 same-day 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 costs are a potential benefit of using anASC. Check your Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage to see if the fee you pay (your copayment) is less for a procedure at an ASC.

It is important to understand the quality of health care provided by surgery centers is equal to, if not higher than, the quality of outpatient procedures offered by hospitals. Keep in mind that surgeons have the same credentials to operate in both hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. Because ASCs specialize in the procedures they perform, they are able to 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 amount of time.

What types of procedures can be done at an ASC?

Many procedures can be safely done at an ASC. Some of the most common include the following. • Cataract surgery • Upper endoscopy (EGD) • Colonoscopies • Pain injections • Knee arthroscopies (scope) • Total knee and hip arthroplasties (replacement) • Carpal tunnel surgery

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 ambulatory surgery center, however, is considered a standalone facility.

How do I know what’s right for me?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you whether you want to use an ASC or an HOPD for a procedure. But before you make your decision, make sure you get the information necessary to choose wisely. Check your plan benefits, consult with your doctor and/or call Network Health’s member experience team at 800-378-5234 (TTY 800-947-3529), Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to get your questions answered.