Outpatient settings are designed specifically for procedures that typically do not require hospitalization. Outpatient settings are more efficient than hospitals because they are smaller and allow for ore customization and of scheduling with few, or no, unexpected delays in service. Outpatient settings are often more conveniently located and easier to navigate than large hospital campuses.
“Ambulatory centers perform surgery more efficiently than hospitals and could offer a viable way for the nation to keep pace with a growing demand for outpatient procedures….. The researchers analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 52,000 [outpatient] surgical visits at 437 [ASC] facilities over four years. Not only did they find that surgery center patients spent 25 percent less time undergoing outpatient surgery that hospital patients, but they inferred that patient costs were $363 to $1,000 lower while their health care was just as satisfactory.”
-E. L. Munnich, S. T. Parente. Prcedures Take Less Time At Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Keeping Costs Down And Ability To Meet Demand Up. Health Affrairs, 2014; 33(5): 764 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.1281
Yes. In fact, outpatient settings specialize in performing surgeries and caring for the needs of the surgical patient and the home care provider. All of the surgical nurses, technicians, and anesthesiologists are focused on one thing: your surgeon providing a high quality environment of surgical safety. The care is personalized and the staff is specifically trained to handle your surgery and immediate recovery with skill and expertise because surgery is what they do. The care you will receive is customized to for your individual needs.
No. In fact, outpatient settings don’t have the large overhead expenses of a hospital and are up to 42% less expensive. Many outpatient settings pride themselves on cost-transparency and will provide you with a breakdown of your out-of-pocket costs prior to your surgery, so you will know exactly what to expect.
- Medicare costs are reduced by $2.3 billion annually due to ASCs¹
- Commercial Payor costs are reduced by $38 billion+ annually due to ASCs²
- $5 billion directly benefits patients in the form of lower deductible and coinsurance payments²
- This is driven by the fact that, in general, ASC prices are significantly lower than HOPD prices for the same procedure in all markets, regardless of payer²
¹Medicare Cost Savings Tied to ASCs. University of California-Berkeley, 2013
²Commercial Insurance Cost Savings in Ambulatory Surgery Centers; Healthcare Bluebook; ASCA; Health Smart.
There have been many great advances in technology and joint replacements. Not only are the implants more evolved and often custom-made to perfectly fit your body, but also the medications used for anesthesia and to manage your pain are highly advanced. Often times, medications are given before, during, and after surgery to ensure maximum pain control. Physical therapists will work with you before you ever go home to ensure you are ready to begin the recovery process.
Speak with your physician. You and your doctor can discuss your needs, health, and whether or not you can have surgery done in the outpatient setting. Once determined, you can meet with the Joint Coordinator at the surgery center and discuss the entire process from beginning to full recovery. You can even set up a time to take a tour of the facility and ask any questions.