Ambulatory Surgical Center

What is an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) ?

An ASC is a health care facility that focuses on providing same day outpatient surgical procedures. ASCs have provided a safer, less expensive and more convenient model when compared to hospital based surgical procedures.

Why choose an ASC over a hospital for your procedure?

Specializing in outpatient surgery and procedures, ASCs focus solely on delivering an excellent surgical outcome in a safe environment. Specific protocols are followed by the physicians, nurses, and medical professionals that have led to quality patient outcomes with a proven track record for patient safety.

Oversight & Patient safety

Integrated Surgical Institute (ISI) must comply with all rules, regulations, and laws that apply to all other healthcare facilities where procedures are performed. ISI is Medicare certified, approved by the Department of Health, and is accredited by major independent health care agencies. Strict environmental sanitary conditions are constantly being monitored to prevent infections and improve patient outcomes. Comprehensive and regular reviews are performed at ISI to maintain our high standard of care delivered to each patient.

Cost Savings

As ASCs are highly specialized healthcare facilities focused on delivering excellent surgical care, they are able to provide cost-effective product compared to hospital based models. The government, insurance companies, and most importantly the patient are all beneficiaries of this cost savings. Patients, insurance companies and employers typically pay less for procedures that are performed at an ASC when compared to hospital outpatient departments (HOPD).

References:

Goyal et al. The Safety of Hand & Upper Extremity Surgical Procedures at a Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Center: A review of 28,737 cases. JBJS April 2016.

Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. (2014, April). Medicare and Beneficiaries Could Save Billions If CMS Reduces Hospital Outpatient Department Payment Rates For Ambulatory Surgical Center Approved Procedures to Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Rates. Retrieved April 11, 2016, from http://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/ region5/51200020.pdf

Munnich, E. L., & Parente, S. T. (2014). Procedures Take Less Time At Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Keeping Costs Down And Ability To Meet Demand Up. Health Affairs, 33(5), 764-769.