Time can be one of our most precious commodities. Studies suggest that outpatient surgery centers can reduce the time commitment of its patients by upwards of 25% relative to hospital encounters for the same procedure. A study published in Science Daily in May 2014 analyzed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 52,000 surgical visits at 437 facilities over four years. Not only did they find that surgery center patients spent 25 percent less time undergoing outpatient surgery than hospital patients, but inferred patient costs were lower.

Outpatient surgery centers are significantly less expensive for the patient than hospitals. Numerous studies cite savings from 20% to 60%. These savings have nothing to do with the quality of care, safety, or credentials. In fact, the medical staff and surgeons must have identical credentials in hospitals as well as outpatient surgery centers. The difference is attributable to the business structure and operating efficiency of the centers.

As outpatient surgery centers continue to proliferate, the healthcare savings not only directly impact the patients, but markedly reduces Medicare costs. As stated in a June 2015 research paper, "According to the U.S. Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services, taxpayers would save $15 billion and patients would save $3 billion, for those enrolled on Medicare, if surgeries were paid for at ASC rates, with no impact on quality." The savings are very real.

Generally speaking, most surgery centers tend to be located in less densely trafficked areas, offer ample on-site, free parking, and, by design are less crowded and rushed than the typical hospital environment. Providing these more relaxed conditions is part of the surgery center's goal of creating a better overall patient experience.

Similarly, the physicians tend to have more direct control over their work and are routinely more accessible to their patients both before and after their procedure.

Most people don't like surprises, especially when it's in the form of a bill. Starting in 2022, there are new protections that prevent surprise medical bills. If you have private health insurance, these new protections ban the most common types of surprise bills. If you’re uninsured or you decide not to use your health insurance for a service, under these protections, you can often get a good faith estimate of the cost of your care up front, before your visit. For more information about the "No Surprises Act", click the button below.