Modern medicine has significantly reduced the frequency and duration of hospital visits for patients, including more outpatient, same-day surgical procedures. While hospitals do offer these procedures, many patients today opt for an outpatient surgery center, also known as an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).
According to a July 2017 report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), about 70 percent of all surgeries in the U.S. occur in an outpatient, or ambulatory, setting. Because such outpatient surgery centers are increasingly common, it's critical to consider the following points while choosing the best option for your individual treatment and financial needs.
Since the early 1980s, medical and technological advancements have spurred the growth of outpatient surgery in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) February 2017 report on ambulatory surgery data. General improvements in anesthesia and analgesics have enhanced doctors' ability to manage patients' pain during such procedures.
But researchers have also developed more minimally invasive and noninvasive procedures that doctors can easily and safely perform in offices outside of hospitals. Outpatient surgery centers offer these same-day surgical procedures, including diagnostic and preventative care. These centers can save money and improve the efficiency and convenience of care for patients and health care providers alike.
Per the CDC outpatient surgery report, 70 percent of the 48.3 million outpatient surgical procedures performed in 2010 involved five primary clinical categories:
Not all procedures can take place in an outpatient setting and may require a hospital stay regardless of your preference. Also, you'll need to speak with your doctor to ensure you qualify as a candidate for outpatient surgery. Qualifying factors may vary, from your body weight, current vital signs, and secondary conditions, to the support system you'll have during your recovery at home.
If you receive your doctor's approval for outpatient surgery, the next step is to determine which center will suit your health care and financial needs.
Each center is equipped with its own set of staff, equipment, and supplies, which can produce varying lists of the services these outpatient surgery centers offer. Ensure the center you're considering can perform the procedure you need before wasting time with any other details.
If more than one center offers the procedures you need, location could be another deciding factor. Certain centers may or may not be practical for you depending on where you live, your transportation options, and your post-operative support system.
Not only should the surgeon(s) and staff in question be equipped to handle the procedure you need. Ideally, your surgeon should also be at least average or better than average in terms of caseload volume, complication rate, and patient satisfaction for your procedure or clinical category.
Whether the center is attached to a hospital system, determine whether that outpatient surgery center has any and all necessary accreditations. Those might include general accreditations or more specific accreditations depending on that center's clinical specialties.
The more prepared you are for your surgery, the better chances you have for a positive outcome and fast recovery following your procedure. This can include:
The best quality centers offer educational materials and classes for you and your post-operative caretaker regarding this "prehab" care.
Thanks to modern health care technology, routine surgical procedures don't have to be as costly in terms of time, money, or quality of life. Speak with your doctor about whether you and your procedure qualify for an outpatient surgery center visit, and ease your worries about these treatment and diagnostic options.
Going to the doctor can be stressful. Whether for a general exam or a specific health problem, there is often so much information to process that we don't think to ask questions during our visit or simply feel embarrassed to ask.
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | 5 Questions Women Should Ask Their Primary Care Physician
It's important to remember that vitamins and supplements cannot take the place of a healthy diet. For example, pregnant women should eat multiple servings of fresh green vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Higher doses of certain vitami...
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | *
It's often said that breastfeeding is a full-time job. And in those first few weeks of motherhood, when it feels like you're feeding constantly, it certainly can be. But what happens a few months later when you have to go back to work?
Read More Additional information about Dignity Health | How to Make Breastfeeding for Working Moms Easy