A surgery center, also known as an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), is a facility that provides outpatient surgical procedures. Unlike a hospital, a surgery center does not admit patients overnight or provide emergency care. However, there are many advantages to choosing a surgery center for your elective surgery.
Here are some of the benefits of an ASC and a list of a few procedures commonly performed there.
Lower Cost
Surgery centers typically charge less than hospitals for the same procedure because they have lower overhead costs and more efficient operations. Patients can often save a significant amount of money by choosing an ASC over a hospital.
Higher Quality
Surgery centers are subject to strict regulations and accreditation standards, and they must report their quality measures and outcomes to the government. Many surgery centers have lower rates of complications, infections, and readmissions than hospitals. Moreover, surgery centers specialize in certain types of procedures, which means they have more experience and expertise in performing them.
Greater Convenience
Surgery centers offer more flexibility and convenience for patients and their families. They have shorter wait times, more comfortable facilities, and more personalized care. Patients can schedule their surgery at a time that suits them, and they can recover at home instead of staying in a hospital room.
High Patient Satisfaction
Patients who choose surgery centers often have higher levels of satisfaction with their care than those who go to hospitals. They appreciate the friendly staff, the privacy, the comfort, and the efficiency of the surgery center.
Procedures Performed at Surgery Centers
Some of the common procedures that are performed at surgery centers include:
- Cataract surgery: This is a procedure that removes the cloudy lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial one. It can improve vision and reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
- Knee arthroscopy: This is a procedure that uses a small camera and instruments to examine and treat problems inside the knee joint, such as torn cartilage or ligaments.
- Colonoscopy: This is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. It can detect polyps, tumors, inflammation, or bleeding.
- Hernia repair: This is a procedure that fixes a weak spot in the abdominal wall that allows part of an organ or tissue to bulge out. It can prevent complications such as strangulation or infection.
If you are considering outpatient surgery, consult with your physician to learn more about having it performed in a surgery center.
