An Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a healthcare facility that offer outpatient surgical care. They offer patients the convenience of having surgeries and procedures performed safely outside a hospital.
Since opening their doors decades ago, Ambulatory Surgery Centers have demonstrated an ability to improve quality, convenience, and service while simultaneously reducing costs. They are often a more relaxed environment than a hospital setting as they are typically quieter and see fewer patients per day than the average hospital.
Each year, millions of procedures are performed in outpatient centers. While our volumes are not quite in the millions, the physicians at Minor & James Surgical Specialists do regularly perform procedures in our own accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center. In fact, our ASC has been in operation for thirty years, with an excellent track record. We are always cognizant of the safety and comfort of our patients.
We are certified by two important organizations (Medicare and the Washington State Department of Health) and have adopted extensive patient safety procedures.
In fact, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires ASCs to take steps to ensure that patients do not acquire infections during their time at an ASC. Ambulatory Surgery Centers must establish a program for identifying and preventing infections, maintain a sanitary environment and report outcomes to the appropriate authorities.
In addition, we are members of both the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (WASCA).
Our medical team includes the SAME anesthesiologists who work in the operating rooms at hospitals such as Swedish, not nurse anesthetists or independent anesthesiologists.
ALL of our physicians do procedures at the hospital as well as in our Ambulatory Surgery Center, and we have strict guidelines in place to assure that patients who are not healthy enough for outpatient care have their procedures performed at the hospital. Furthermore, patients with any questionable medical conditions are reviewed by the anesthesiologists prior to the day of surgery in case there is any question about their suitability for surgery in the Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Not only are ASCs focused on patients having the best surgical experience possible, but they also provide cost-effective care that can save patients money. Patient co-pays are often lower when care is received in an Ambulatory Surgery Center.
There are many advantages to our patients for having surgery in our Ambulatory Surgery Center. To recap, they include:
- Quicker and convenient options for patients.
- Personalized care in a clean and calm environment.
- Lower chance of developing a serious (hospital bacterial) infection.
- Less expensive than a hospital.
We are dedicated to providing excellent care in a safe environment, and want all of our patients to be comfortable. For anyone considering or in need of surgery we suggest you talk to your doctor, talk to your friends and talk to your family. Learn what is best for you. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have.
