By Bill Lane – Jume 15, 2016
The use of ambulatory surgery centers rather than outpatient hospital departments saves $38 billion per year in costs for the commercially insured, according to a study by the data company Healthcare Bluebook.
The study, produced in partnership with HealthSmart and the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), also found that for all payers, ambulatory surgery centers produce lower costs of care than hospital outpatient departments.
And, if more surgeries typically conducted in inpatient facilities–like total hip and knee replacements–are performed in ASCs, an additional $3.2 billion could be saved in care costs, the study says.
