If you or a loved one needs surgery, it may feel like there aren’t many options outside of a hospital. But depending on where you live, you may have the option of getting that surgery in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).
But what are ASCs? How do they differ from hospitals? And most importantly, what benefits do they offer to patients?
History of ASCs
Forty years ago, nearly all surgery was performed in hospitals. With hospital resources limited and stretched thin, waits spanning weeks or months were not uncommon for patients needing care.
It was out of this void that Ambulatory Surgery Centers were created, aimed at providing an accessible and more improved experience for patients who qualify for outpatient surgery.
What are ASCs?
ASCs are a convenient, lower-cost alternative to hospitals for surgery. These outpatient healthcare facilities offer individuals the convenience of having surgery and procedures performed safely, with the opportunity to recover in the comfort of their own home.
Patients receive surgical care in a highly specialized and monitored environment. WWMG’s Gateway Surgery Center offers the most modern surgical equipment available, utilizing state-of-the-art technology, and our expert medical team and staff provide superior patient care before, during, and after all surgical procedures.
At ASCs, patients are typically treated and discharged within 24 hours, saving the patient time and money. In addition to being more affordable than a hospital, ASCs provide more focused care and reliable scheduling. Research shows that patients who receive surgeries at an outpatient facility report higher patient satisfaction, faster recovery, and better outcomes.
Types of ASCs
Not all ASCs provide the same surgical procedures. Spanning from multi-specialty to highly specialized, here is a list of some of the common types of ASCs:
- Cosmetic and facial surgery centers
- Endoscopy centers
- Ophthalmology practices
- Laser eye surgery centers
- Centers for oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Orthopedic surgery centers
- Plastic surgery centers
- Podiatry clinics
Gateway Surgery Center
Among the rising need for ASCs across the nation, Gateway Surgery Center was developed to care for patients in our community.
Located in Everett, Gateway Surgery Center is a multi-specialty, state-of-the-art facility that offers a patient-focused experience. Our exceptional and experienced staff is made up of board-certified physicians, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and support personnel. Our staff boasts years of experience in all aspects of surgical care, making them equipped to treat any member of your family through all stages of life.
At Gateway Surgery Center, our surgeons treat adults and children at the ASC, offering the following services:
- Podiatric surgeries such as Achilles tendon, hammertoe correction, bunion removal and 3D lapiplasty
- Sports injuries procedures, including knee arthroscopies and ACL tears
- Pediatric surgeries: ear tubes and adenoids, and orthopedic procedures
- Hand surgeries to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and other issues
- Ear, nose, and throat surgeries, including sinus care and repair
- Plastic surgery both medically necessary and cosmetic
- Urology services
- Spine surgeries, including herniated disc care and disc replacement
- Shoulder injury surgeries, such as rotator cuff and labral tears
- Surgeries to correct fractures of the hands, arms, and legs
- Total Joint replacement of hip, knee and shoulder surgeries
- Injections for chronic pain
- Placement of pain relieving spine implant
Reduced wait times
One of the most publicized benefits of using an ASC is their reduced wait time for appointments. Patients no longer have to wait weeks or months for an appointment at a hospital surgery center. In a hospital, unforeseen emergency room demands are always a risk and can monopolize resources. This sometimes leads to the postponement of care.
But because ASCs focus exclusively on a small number of processes in one setting, they are able to control over-scheduling in a way that hospitals cannot. And that’s why they can provide specialized care at a fraction of the wait time with virtually no scheduling changes. Conversely, hospital surgery centers have large-scale demands for space, resources, and management, making them vulnerable to unexpected events that lead to prolonged wait times.
Reduced cost
Not only are ASCs focused on creating the best surgical experience possible for their patients, they also are able to make transparent pricing a reality. Typically, ASCs disclose pricing information before surgery to help patients prepare for the financial impact of their surgery and to give them what they need up front to be educated when evaluating and comparing costs.
In addition to being upfront about rates, ASCs are a cost-effective, high-quality alternative to inpatient care for surgical services. According to the ASC Association, if even half of the eligible surgical procedures moved from hospital outpatient departments to ASCs, Medicare would save an additional 25 billion dollars over the next decade.
The cost of a procedure at an outpatient surgery center will likely be much lower than that of a hospital, on many occasions less than your deductible maximum. Check with your insurance company to learn about your specific coverage for the surgery you seek.
Personalized care
Some ASCs are run by hospitals, half of all ASCs are owned by investors, and the rest are owned by the physicians who treat the patients (such as at WWMG). This benefits patients receiving surgical care at an ASC in several ways:
Patient satisfaction at ASCs is usually rated high, and partial credit is given to the closer patient-surgeon relationships that are built on familiarity in the surgery center. Because of the smaller-scale, more specialized nature of these surgery centers, ASC patients typically interact with a single nurse and surgeon throughout the entire process. In addition, surgeons are assigned to patients, making it easy for them to familiarize themselves with each case. Patients receiving care at an ASC obtain the consistent, non-repetitive care that is the result of being a part of a relationship-based, specialized surgery center.
Through these relationships, patients are able to better manage their pre and postoperative recovery, maximizing the benefits of surgery. It is not uncommon for a surgeon to even include their patient in the process of creating a hyper-specialized recovery plan. A patient’s involvement in the development of their post-op plan typically leads to a higher rate of patient compliance with the recovery regimen and greater long-term surgery success rates.
Upholding ASC safety standards
Gateway Surgery Center and other ASCs are highly regulated by federal and state entities. The quality of care offered in an ASC is observed and evaluated by state licensure, Medicare certification, and voluntary accreditation. ASCs must meet licensure requirements and continue to go through rigorous ongoing inspection and reporting.
ASCs that provide care to Medicare beneficiaries must meet federal government requirements and Medicare standards. While state requirements differ, the vast majority of states require ASCs to be licensed in order to operate.
If you or a loved one is deciding where you should receive surgical care, consider our ASC, Gateway Surgery Center. We are conveniently located in Everett.
With our high standards of quality care and exceptional staff, Gateway Surgery Center is equipped to offer you and your family the finest medical attention in our facility. Boasting two operating rooms, outfitted with the latest technology and equipment, we are pleased to provide the community with a positive alternative to inpatient surgical care.
Patients with multiple health conditions or high-risk procedures may not be eligible for surgery at an outpatient center. Ask your doctor or surgeon if an ASC facility is an option for you.