In our past blogs, we’ve outlined how Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are an affordable solution in our age of rising costs of healthcare. At Iowa City ASC, we’re proud to offer patients excellent care for their outpatient surgical procedures, while also helping them save money. Our team recognizes the need for affordable and accessible healthcare, and we are continually looking for ways to help make care for our patients cost-effective.

Still, there is an alarming trend in healthcare. More and more Americans are unable to get the treatment they need due to the high cost of care. According to a study done by Becker’s Hospital Review, 64% of Americans avoid or delay treatment due to the cost of their medical care.[1] The survey was conducted amongst 1,000 Americans, and its findings shows the unfortunate trend that fewer Americans are able to afford the care they need.

Those are worrisome statistics, but it’s important to consider what the cause is. Since many Americans are struggling to afford care, one might make the case that it is only a matter of personal finance. According to the same study done by Becker’s Health Review, a majority of respondents (61%) said they don’t have any money saved for their healthcare expenses.[2] While setting money aside for healthcare expenses is important, personal finances aren’t the only problem with the unaffordability and inaccessibility of care.

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The rising cost of healthcare is making it harder and harder for many Americans to afford their care, even if they have insurance and money set aside. According to the survey, 52% of respondents reported a deductible exceeding $1,000, and nearly 70% said affording their deductible was at least somewhat difficult, while 22% said affording their deductible was very difficult or impossible.[3] The affordability of healthcare--or the lack thereof—is a problem for Americans, and the rising prices of healthcare are making it even worse. In an article by the New York Times, the high price tag of care is explored, highlighting two massive expenses in particular: a bill of over $40,000 for 20 minutes of stitching a cut, and an ambulance ride of only 200 feet that cost $3,241.[4] This is only a sampling of the oftentimes outlandish prices of healthcare, but it is certainly a relevant example that indicates the problem of affordability in healthcare.

Healthcare often comes with a big price tag, especially if there’s a hospital stay involved. When there is a hospital stay involved with care, the price is driven up, which contributes to the problem many Americans are struggling to deal with. Since many Americans find it difficult to afford their care, ASCs might be a solution. Studies have shown $41 billion could be saved annually if more Americans had their procedures done at an ASC.[5] Since ASCs, such as Iowa City ASC, offer more cost-effective care than most hospitals, more people should opt to have their procedures done at one. At Iowa City ASC, we offer patients excellent care that won’t break the bank. We’re proud to serve patients who are in need of outpatient surgical procedures, and we’re glad to help make their care more affordable and accessible.

SUMMARY
Many Americans are finding it difficult to afford treatment they need. According to a study done by Becker’s Hospital Review, 64% of Americans avoid or delay treatment due to the cost of their medical care.[8] The survey was conducted amongst 1,000 Americans, and its findings shows the unfortunate trend that fewer Americans are able to afford healthcare. As healthcare costs rise, and fewer and fewer Americans set aside money for healthcare expenses, a solution is needed to make care affordable and accessible. ASCs are the alternative of the future. They offer excellent, cost-effective care without hospitalization, which keeps the price tag low.