Journal of Medical Diagnostic Methods
Open Access

Assessing the Role of Ambulatory Surgical Centers in the Shift towards Value-based Healthcare Delivery

Asper Ryan^{* *}Correspondence: Asper Ryan, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, Email:

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About the Study

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are healthcare facilities that provide same-day surgical care to patients who do not require overnight hospitalization. These facilities have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer a more costeffective and convenient alternative to traditional hospital-based surgical care. In this commentary, it will examine the benefits and challenges of ASCs and their impact on the healthcare industry.

One of the main advantages of ASCs is their efficiency in providing surgical care. Patients can undergo surgery and be discharged on the same day, which reduces the need for hospitalization and lowers healthcare costs. Furthermore, ASCs are able to schedule surgeries more efficiently than hospitals, as they are specialized facilities dedicated solely to outpatient procedures. This allows ASCs to streamline their processes, resulting in shorter wait times for patients and better utilization of resources.

ASCs also provide a more patient-centered approach to healthcare. Patients who undergo surgery at an ASC typically have a more personalized experience, as the facilities are smaller and more focused on individualized care. ASCs often have a more relaxed atmosphere than hospitals, which can help alleviate patient anxiety and promote a more positive patient experience. Additionally, because ASCs focus exclusively on outpatient procedures, they are able to offer a wider range of surgical specialties, including ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and gastroenterology, among others.

Despite these benefits, ASCs are not without their challenges. One major concern is the potential for higher rates of postoperative complications. This is because ASCs are not equipped to handle complex cases or medical emergencies that may arise during or after surgery. As a result, patients who undergo surgery at an ASC must be carefully selected to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure and that their medical history does not put them at risk for complications.

Another challenge facing ASCs is the need to maintain high standards of patient safety and quality of care. In recent years, there have been concerns about the quality of care provided by some ASCs, particularly those that are owned by private equity firms. Critics argue that these firms are more concerned with profits than patient care and may cut corners in order to increase their bottom line. To address these concerns, regulatory bodies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have implemented stricter oversight and quality reporting requirements for ASCs. Finally, ASCs also face challenges related to payment and reimbursement. Medicare and other insurance companies typically reimburse ASCs at a lower rate than hospitals for the same procedure, which can limit their financial viability. Furthermore, ASCs may not be able to negotiate favorable reimbursement rates with insurance companies due to their smaller size and lack of bargaining power. In spite of these challenges, ASCs are likely to continue to play an important role in the healthcare industry. One reason for this is the growing demand for outpatient surgical procedures. Advances in medical technology and anesthesia have made it possible to perform an increasing number of procedures on an outpatient basis, which has led to an increase in the number of ASCs.

Another reason for the continued growth of ASCs is the trend toward value-based care. Value-based care is a healthcare delivery model that focuses on achieving better health outcomes at a lower cost. ASCs are well-positioned to thrive in a value-based care environment, as they are able to provide high-quality, efficient care at a lower cost than hospitals.

ASCs are an important and growing part of the healthcare industry. They offer a more patient-centered, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to traditional hospital-based surgical care.

While they do face challenges related to patient safety, quality of care, and payment, these challenges are being addressed through increased regulatory oversight and a focus on value-based care. As the demand for outpatient surgical procedures continues to grow, ASCs are likely to become an even more important component of the healthcare system.