4 Reasons To Choose An ASC For Your Total Joint Replacement

A Vital Question On Your Total Joint Replacement Journey

Over 15 million people suffer from joint pain every year. For most, the joint pain results from years of arthritis, the wear and tear of cartilage and bone. After months of unsuccessful treatment, surgery may be the best solution. Now comes the next step. Where will the patient have surgery? The patient can schedule surgery with an orthopedic surgeon at a public hospital. Another option would be an ambulatory surgical center or ASC. But what is an ASC?

The power of an ASC

While some surgeries are emergencies, many are elective. Unfortunately, many elective surgeries go on a back burner due to a lack of resources, emergencies, and even cost. What if there was a way to get these elective surgeries completed quickly and efficiently? An ambulatory surgical center or ASC is a facility that focuses on performing same-day, outpatient surgeries. ASCs have the technology, staffing, and expertise to perform procedures like colonoscopies, eye surgeries, and, yes, joint replacements. Before, these procedures needed open incisions and lengthy hospital stays. Now, an ASC applies advancements in surgical techniques and anesthesia in a focused way.

The end of surgeries in hospitals?

Ambulatory surgical centers in no way discount the abilities of a hospital to do surgeries. Many hospitals are equipped with doctors and technology to complete outpatient procedures. These hospitals make up more than 1 million joint replacements that happen every year. Most use minimally invasive techniques like ASCs. Others have even integrated robotic surgery. However, these 4 reasons may sway patients to choose an ASC instead.

1. Your safety matters to an ASC

In terms of surgery, hospitals must adhere to high-quality standards. These standards can affect the hospitalís reputation and bottom line. ASCs are no exception, as each goes the extra mile to ensure the safety of patients. These facilities have rigorous quality checks and high success rates. And because these facilities are isolated from unrelated cases, there is little chance of infections or cross-contamination.

2. Your surgery, your terms.

Since ASCs focus on surgeries, there will be no delay in the procedure. Surgeons at conventional facilities can be called on to perform emergency procedures. Some even lack resources, which means the joint replacement can get rescheduled or delayed. With an ASC, the patient can arrange a scheduled date and time, which will be kept. In fact, the surgery starts shortly after the patient enters the facility. That level of control means the patient will receive the benefits of joint replacement sooner.

3. A higher quality of care

Since ASCs only focus on surgeries, these facilities can work on a better quality of care. All staff members understand the importance of patient care. Conventional hospitals aim for the same level of care, with many finding success. However, the pressures of emergency care, long wait times, and poor case management can reduce satisfaction scores. In an ASC, patients will feel relaxed and cared for from reception, to the operating table, and out the door.

4. Cost savings for all

Because of the efficiency and effectiveness of an ASC, patients generally pay less compared to hospitals. By some estimates, patients can save at least 45% compared to a conventional hospital. Since there are no real-time delays, the patient would not spend more time and money on conservative care. Efficient hospitals also save taxpayers, hospitals, and patients billions of dollars through insurance. This is all done while not compromising the quality of care.

Enjoy the ASC advantage

The sooner a patient receives surgery, the faster the recovery and better quality of life. However, most experience pain simply because of delays in conventional hospitals. Ambulatory surgical centers provide quick, safe, successful surgeries at a lower cost. Speak with a doctor about choosing the best ASC for total joint replacement.