Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are facilities where surgeries that do not require hospital admission are performed. They provide a cost-effective and convenient environment that is less stressful than what many hospitals can offer.
Patients who elect to have surgery in an ASC arrive on the day of the procedure, have the surgery in a fully equipped operating room, and recover under the care of the nursing staff, all without hospital admission. From pediatric patients to the elderly, both clients and their families benefit from the comfortable environment of the ASC.
ASCs may perform surgeries in a variety of specialities or dedicate their services to one specialty, such as eye care or sports medicine.
WHAT AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS ARE NOT
ASCs are not similar to rural health clinics, urgent care centers, or other ambulatory care centers that provide diagnostic or primary health care. ASCs treat only patients who have already seen a health care provider and selected surgery as an appropriate treatment. Physician offices are not ASCs. All ASCs must have at least one dedicated operating room and the equipment needed to safely perform surgery and ensure quality patient care.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) are noted for the following:
