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How to Make Healthcare More Affordable with ASC

When it comes to health care, most baby boomers and Gen-Xers are looking to get the best care for the best price. We all want quality service without going broke.

Thankfully, options like ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and independent physician groups provide top-notch care at a fraction of the cost of hospital-based services. These facilities are one of the best-kept secrets for affordable, high-quality surgical and medical care.

What's an Ambulatory Surgery Center?

An Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a healthcare facility that provides surgical, pain management, and diagnostic services in an outpatient setting.

Unlike hospital outpatient centers, ASCs specialize in specific services, allowing them to take a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective approach. These savings and benefits get passed directly to patients through lower out-of-pocket costs and competitive pricing.

This translates into exceptional value and significantly higher patient satisfaction compared to hospital-based outpatient surgical centers!

The Cost of ASCs

One of the biggest advantages of having your outpatient surgery or procedure done at an ASC is the cost savings compared to a hospital setting. ASCs don't carry the overhead expenses of a full-service hospital, allowing them to perform procedures at a significantly lower price point.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) in March 2022 corroborates the cost-effectiveness of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, demonstrating that orthopedic surgeries performed in ASCs are, on average, 26% less expensive compared to similar procedures undertaken in outpatient departments, affirming the significant value and savings potential that ASCs offer.

ASCs Continue to Be a Popular Choice for Patients

Then again, it may not even be safe to call ASCs a secret. As of September 2023, IBISWorld industry research found that there are over 8,400 ambulatory surgery centers in the United States. The growth has been due to the lower costs compared to hospitals and patients' increasing demand for better-priced premium healthcare.

Be In-the-Know About Other ASC Benefits

The growth of ASCs is directly linked to numerous patient benefits. These include:

• Convenient access and scheduling

• Cost savings

• Higher staff-to-patient ratios, resulting in personalized care

• Lower infection rates and re-admissions

• Shorter wait times

• Specialized care from highly-trained nursing staff

• Technological advances

Quick Facts to Remember About ASCs

• Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) treat patients faster and cost up to 50% less than surgery performed at a hospital.

• Freestanding imaging centers provide services for 30 to 60% less per visit than a hospital imaging facility.

• Specialty convenient care centers are typically 5 to 7 times less expensive than going to the ER.

Find Your Ambulatory Surgery Center

Fox Valley Orthopedics takes pride in providing quality, affordable health care from highly-trained professionals. Our ambulatory surgery center is here to offer competitively priced premium medical services and exceptional value. Contact us today to find out more!

Explore our locations across Illinois to find a convenient, cost-effective care option near you.