An Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a modern healthcare facility that specializes in providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. ASCs have transformed the outpatient experience for millions of Americans by offering a more convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures, while maintaining a strong track record of quality care and positive patient outcomes.
Some key points about ASCs include:
- ASCs are not hospitals, as they do not admit patients for overnight stays. Instead, they focus on performing surgeries that do not require hospital admission.
- The specific types and range of surgeries performed by ASCs can vary, but some of the most common procedures include cataract surgeries, colonoscopies, and hernia repairs.
- ASCs are not rural health clinics, urgent care centers, or ambulatory care centers that provide diagnostic or primary health care services. They only treat patients who have already seen a healthcare provider and selected surgery as the appropriate treatment for their condition.
- ASCs are not physicians offices either, as they are fully equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to perform surgical procedures.
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is a nonprofit association in the United States that represents all aspects of the ASC industry, including physicians, nurses, administrative staff, and owners. The association advocates for quality standards, insurance coverage by Medicare and private payers, and reasonable conditions for coverage, representing the industry before the media, Congress, state legislatures, and regulatory bodies.
