Most people will end up having surgery at one point in their lifetime. When you think about having surgery, a hospital probably comes to mind, right? Many patients are surprised to learn that there are other skilled facilities that are dedicated to surgeries only. These facilities are referred to as Ambulatory Surgery Centers or ASCs, and they come with a lot of benefits.

What’s An ASC?

 Often called by their acronym ASC, an ambulatory surgery center is a healthcare facility that’s dedicated to performing surgeries on patients who have already seen a physician. Rather than simply showing up at a hospital and making the staff perform testing and diagnostics, the staff at an ASC already has all your information and knows exactly what needs to be done.

 Patients who visit an ASC do not use this center for emergency services or as routine healthcare. Instead, they are for a very specific reason. The Iowa City ASC works with patients in ophthalmology, urology, orthopedics, ENT, OB/GYN, pain management, podiatry, sleep apnea, and more.

The Benefits of an ASC

 The skilled medical care you receive from both a hospital or an ASC is second to none, but visiting a facility that’s specifically designed for surgery does bring some unique benefits, including:

Little to no wait time

While patients often wait for days or weeks to be scheduled at a hospital, ASCs can often get patients in for surgery quickly and efficiently. Since they don’t have the influx of emergencies like a hospital does, their operating rooms are available more regularly.

Going home the same day

Ambulatory surgery centers treat individuals who need outpatient procedures. This means you can have your surgery completed and be at home resting the very same night. Rest assured, you’ll have a set of doctor’s instructions at home to help during your recovery.

Significantly lower costs

Imagine the amount of money it takes to keep a hospital running, and relate that to the charges you often incur while there. Now compare that to an ASC. You’ll soon see why patients end up with lower medical bills after having their surgery performed at an ASC.

Decreased risk of infection

There are probably only a few other patients at the facility at any given time, rather than the hundreds of individuals who are in a hospital at any given moment. This naturally lends itself to a decreased risk of infection because there are fewer chances for cross-contamination.

More privacy

Sometimes having surgery in a hospital means that your recovery time is spent in a room with another patient and also sharing a nurse and doctor with others. At an ambulatory surgery center, you have far more privacy during your procedure, and recovering at home allows you to relax and recuperate in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Both hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers have their benefits, so it might be wise to do some research before you schedule an upcoming surgery. Speak with your physician about which option might be right for you, and remember that a successful surgery and recovery is the ultimate goal. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to help.