Benefits of Using an Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Category: Blog
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- Written By: Fox Valley Orthopedics
Choosing an Ambulatory Surgery Center
If you're considering having surgery, you may be wondering whether you should have it performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or an operating room (OR). Both have advantages, but ASCs can be a great option for certain types of surgeries.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of utilizing Fox Valley Orthopedics’ ambulatory surgery center for your orthopedic needs.
What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?
An orthopedic ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is an outpatient facility made up of operating rooms where orthopedic surgeries are performed. They look like a hospital OR and are equipped just like a hospital OR. This means that patients can have their procedures done and go home the same day.
Here are a few benefits of using an ASC for your procedure:
You'll save money.
ASCs are typically less expensive than ORs, so if you want to keep costs down, this is a good option. According to the American Association of Ambulatory Health Care, the cost of an outpatient procedure performed in an ASC is about one-third the cost of the same procedure performed in a hospital.
There are several reasons why ASCs are less expensive than hospitals. First, ASCs have lower overhead costs because they are typically smaller facilities. Additionally, ASCs often negotiate better prices with suppliers than hospitals.
The lower cost of ambulatory surgery center procedures with Fox Valley Orthopedics means more people can afford necessary surgeries. This can lead to better patient health outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs.
You’ll have individualized care.
Our Fox Valley Orthopedics staff is more familiar with each other and the patients we see regularly. When it comes time for a patient to need surgery, this familiarity allows them to easily and openly communicate with their specialists. They also can enjoy the ease and arrange follow-up care with the same level of coordination from our team at FVO. With individualized, personable care in mind, we aim for the best patient outcomes following their procedure.
You’ll feel more relaxed.
Patients often feel more relaxed at a surgery center than in a hospital. This is because ASCs are explicitly designed for outpatient surgery, so the environment is typically more calm and quiet. In addition, ASC staff are usually very experienced in working with patients who are having orthopedic surgery. Therefore, they can provide high-quality care and answer any questions patients may have.
Types of Surgeries Completed in an ASC
Some common types of orthopedic surgeries that can be performed in an ASC include:
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting thin instruments into the joints. This type of surgery allows the doctor to see inside the joint without making a large incision. The surgery is performed at an ASC using an arthroscope, a small camera inserted into the joint through a small incision.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Our ASC completes total hip, knee, and shoulder repairs. Joint replacement surgeries are among the most commonly performed procedures in an ASC. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, almost 1 million Americans have a joint replaced each year.
By having your joint replacement done at our ambulatory surgery center, you can get your surgery done sooner and get back to life with better mobility.
Fracture Repair Surgery
Having your fracture repair completed at an ASC can help you quickly get the care you need. This is because our ASC is equipped with the latest technology and has staff specifically trained to perform these types of surgeries. As a result, patients can expect to receive high-quality care and experience shorter wait times.
Knee Repairs
Patients requiring knee surgery often have several options available to them regarding where their procedure can be performed. In many cases, an ambulatory surgery center can be an excellent option for patients, offering several advantages over other types of surgical facilities.
When is an OR Needed?
The staff at ambulatory surgery centers are specially trained, and the equipment and rooms are designed for orthopedic surgeries. However, not all procedures can be performed at an ASC, as they are not equipped with overnight accommodations, so patients must arrange a ride home or a place to stay after their surgery.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Though you aren’t heading to the hospital for your surgery, you may still be nervous. If you're preparing for an orthopedic procedure, here are some things you can do to get ready:
- Follow your surgeon's pre-operative instructions precisely.
- Start doing some gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint that will be operated on.
- Don't forget to take care of yourself mentally as well as physically.
