Ambulatory Surgical Center or Hospital:

Choosing between an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASCs) or a Hospital setting for your surgery first depends on the type of surgery you are having. ASCs only perform outpatient surgeries, while surgeries requiring an inpatient stay are typically performed at a hospital. Today, surgical advancements have made it possible for many procedures to be successfully performed on an outpatients basis at an ASC.

What is an Ambulatory Surgical Center?

ASCs are modern-day healthcare facilities that have a primary focus on providing same-day surgical care. In the last 30 years, the roles and overall number of ASCs in the nation have increased dramatically. ASCs have transformed the outpatient experience by providing a convenient alternative to traditional hospital-based outpatient practices with a strong track record of quality care and positive patient outcomes.

What is the difference between an Ambulatory Surgical Center and a Hospital?

Many of the workflows and procedures performed at both institutions will be the same, and both share a common goal of providing the highest quality of care. Many of the differences between the two are seen in the background operations.

Traditionally, a hospital-based outpatient department, or HOPD, is owned and attached to a hospital, whereas an ASC is a standalone practice with or without hospital affiliation. This separation makes the regulations for ASCs and HOPDs different. Most of the time, patients see these differences reflected in the cost.

What is the cost of going to an Ambulatory Surgical Center?

Choosing an ASC for your procedure will be more cost-effective than visiting a traditional hospital setting. The same procedure performed at both is reported to cost Medicare 47% less at an ASC than an HOPD*.

What are the advantages of an Ambulatory Surgical Center?

ASCs have been shown to have greater efficiency with no differences or higher complication rates when compared to the traditional hospital setting. The narrow scope and training allows for more specialized care and many times higher rates of positive outcomers and faster recovery.

*Procedure cost will vary from person to person, depending on current medical coverage.