The Rise of Outpatient Surgery
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have become an integral part of the U.S. healthcare system over the past few decades. ASCs are modern medical facilities focused solely on providing surgical care to patients on an outpatient basis. As the name implies, patients are able to be admitted and have surgery performed at an ASC all in the same day without an overnight hospital stay. This convenient model has provided massive benefits to both patients and providers.
U.S.Ambulatory Surgery Center that was traditionally only performed in hospitals is now commonly and safely handled in ASCs. According to industry estimates, over 55% of all surgeries performed in the U.S. today take place in ASCs rather than hospitals. Common outpatient procedures include cataract removal, colonoscopy, endoscopy, orthopedic procedures like knee arthroscopy, and many others. The shift has been driven by ASCs demonstrating they can achieve equal or better outcomes compared to hospitals at a significantly lower overall cost.
Cost Savings and Consumer Choice
The cost savings provided by ASCs are substantial. On average, surgical procedures performed in ASCs cost approximately 60% less than if done in a hospital setting according to data from Medicare. Lower facility fees, fewer support staff needed compared to hospitals, and streamlined operations all contribute to these savings.
ASCs also benefit consumers by offering more choice. There are now over 5,500 ASCs nationwide giving patients options beyond traditional hospital care. Convenience is improved as ASCs can often see patients on shorter notice for elective procedures compared to crowded hospital schedules. With minimal hassle or waiting, more people are able to access beneficial surgical treatments.
Growth and Challenges of the ASC Industry
The ASC sector has grown tremendously in size and scope over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2020, the number of Medicare-certified ASCs doubled according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Over this time, ASCs diversified what procedures they performed and increasingly provided sophisticated treatments previously limited to hospital use. New centers also opened in more states that previously had regulatory barriers to ASC development.
Despite its success, the ASC industry still faces challenges that could impact its potential for continued growth. For example, governmental agencies and insurers are constantly reevaluating reimbursement policies trying to control costs. Any reductions in ASC payment could strain provider businesses and lead to consumer cost increases. Additionally, ASCs must invest heavily in advanced infrastructure, equipment and IT systems to take on more complex cases safely. Finding qualified experts to staff multispecialty ASCs can also be difficult due to shortages in certain medical fields. If addressed properly, these issues should not significantly curb the ASC model that has worked so well thus far.
The Outlook for ASCs and Their Patients
Looking ahead, most experts project ASCs will play an even greater role in ambulatory surgery in the coming decades. More payers are guiding patients to lower cost centers to help control premium increases. Patients will continue embracing the convenience and choice offered by high quality ASCs. An aging population means demand for outpatient procedures treating arthritis, eye disease and other age-related conditions will rise substantially.
Clinical trials are also examining “same day total joint replacements” at ASCs to decrease burden on in-demand hospital ORs. If proven safe, these procedures could further expand the role of ASCs and shift still more low-risk cases out of facilities. Innovation in surgical techniques, anesthesia and recovery protocols will likewise support ASCs routinely managing more complex cases previously not possible on an outpatient basis. Overall the future appears bright for ambulatory surgery and the centers devoted to providing it. As long as ASCs sustain focus on both access and affordability, they will remain essential to modern surgical care nationwide.
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