August is National Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Month. QUAD A would like to take this opportunity to recognize the vital role ASCs play in delivering high-quality, efficient outpatient surgical care across the U.S. These centers offer patients timely access to preventive care and outpatient surgeries with lower costs, shorter recovery times, and outstanding safety outcomes. They are facilities that specialize in same-day surgical procedures, eliminating long overnight stays in hospitals.
ASCs offer the same level of care as patients would find in a hospital for procedures such as orthopedics, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and pain management. The services they provide give patients an additional choice of care provider other than the traditional inpatient hospital setting. Saving patients time and costs involved with healthcare, while not compromising on safety.
Safe and Trusted Care
The majority of surgeries in the U.S. are now performed by ASCs. This shift is driven by ASCs’ reputation for efficiency, safety, and patient-centered care. According to a recent article by ExactRx, ASCs are responsible for 72% of all surgical procedures nationwide, with patients benefiting from significantly lower costs, often 45% to 60% less than hospital settings, and shorter wait times. High satisfaction rates, currently around 92%, reflect the impact of streamlined workflows and minimally invasive techniques.
With more than 11,500 ASCs operating across the country and continued growth expected in the coming years, these facilities are playing an increasingly important role in modern, value-based care delivery. ASCs offer more transparency in costs, typically providing patients with pricing information in advance. Additionally, surgeons note a more structured and interruption-free environment where they often have more control over aspects such as pre- and post-procedure protocols and workflows, and even over the equipment used in the facility.
The Power of Accreditation
Accreditation from organizations like QUAD A verifies that ASCs have met rigorous standards in safety, patient care, and continuous improvement, standards that are recognized nationally and globally. Accredited ASCs are required to undergo regular onsite surveys, adhere to evidence-based practices, and maintain up-to-date staff credentials, helping patients receive the highest level of care with every visit.
Explore and Learn More
Along with healthcare savings, ASCs are at the cutting edge of patient care. New technologies and methods of care are transforming surgical care choices. This month, we encourage patients, providers, and healthcare leaders to learn more about the impact of ASCs and the importance of accreditation. Browse the resources and articles below to learn more.
To dive deeper into ASC accreditation, visit QUAD A's ASC Accreditation page.
Let’s celebrate the exceptional care and innovation that define ASCs, this month and every month.
RESOURCES AND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) and their role in delivering safe, cost-effective care:
- Get Involved in National ASC Month
Learn how your ASC facility can participate in National ASC Month and help raise awareness about the value of outpatient surgical care.
View participation guide » - State-by-State Cost Savings Data
See how ASCs are driving significant healthcare savings across the country with this interactive breakdown of cost savings by state.
Explore the data » - A Brief History of ASCs
Follow the evolution of Ambulatory Surgery Centers from their founding to today through this comprehensive timeline.
View timeline » - ASCs: A Positive Trend in Health Care
This industry overview highlights why ASCs are increasingly seen as a vital, efficient, and high-quality option in modern healthcare delivery.
Read the article »
Since 1980, QUAD A (a non-profit, physician founded and led global accreditation organization) has worked with thousands of healthcare facilities to standardize and improve the quality of health care they provide – believing that patient safety should always come first. To learn more about QUAD A, their accreditation process, and why it’s so important to seek out accredited facilities when making healthcare related decisions, visit www.quada.org.
