4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC)
                     
4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical 
Centers (ASC)
Ambulatory Surgical Centers or ASCs as it is commonly called were first established in Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 
by two physicians who wanted to provide comfortable care to the people in their community so that they 
could avoid more impersonal venues like hospitals. Slowly over the years with Medicare approving payments 
to ASCs they have gained prominence and in some cases are scoring over the normal hospitals for certain 
procedures.
The fact that ASCs provide a high-quality yet cost-effective alternative to the inpatient care provided at 
hospitals has seen a surge in outpatient centers. Hospitals grappling with scheduling delays, slow operating 
room turnover, and budget cuts which have impacted the purchase of new medical equipment, coupled with 
other operational issues that have prompted patients to visit ASCs to receive care.
Industry Snippet
The revenue of the ASC is slated at $28 billion with an expected growth rate of over 5 percent between the 
years 2010– 015. ASCs are said to have a low level of market share concentration. A case in point being the 
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4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical 
Centers (ASC)
four largest market players will generate less than 12 percent of the total revenue. However, over the next few 
years, it is expected that the industry will consolidate with many large ASCs taking over the smaller ones and 
forging associations with other healthcare providers.
Demystifying 4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Ambulatory Surgical Centers and hospitals are not different entities
People should realize that ASCs and hospitals are two different entities. It is not necessary that the kind of 
facilities that hospitals have ASCs might have them too. Of course, patient care should not be compromised 
but it would be incorrect to expect the same treatment at an ASC as a hospital.
ASCs can help in getting surgery done cheaply
This is one of the sad misconceptions where people feel that if one needs to get a procedure done cheaply
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4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical 
Centers (ASC)
they can avoid a hospital and go to an ASC. However, one needs to remember that ASCs get the same 
Medicare certification and other accreditations that a hospital needs to get and the motive for ASC is to 
provide high-quality care at a lower cost compared to a hospital but it is by no means cheap as they have 
standards to uphold.
ASCs suit everyone
It is true that ASCs were to be a substitute for hospitals and they would provide care similar to hospitals. 
However, the fact is certain procedures and surgeries which can be carried out in hospitals have to be done in 
a hospital environment only.
ASCs can manage only easy cases
As discussed above for certain procedures and surgeries one has to go to a hospital but that does not imply 
that only run-of-the-mill or easy procedures happen in ASCs. There are complex cases taken care of and 
treated but keeping in mind the capacity of the ASC.
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4 Common Misconceptions about Ambulatory Surgical 
Centers (ASC)
Conclusion
Finally, one would not be wrong to state that ASCs are doing a remarkable job, and even with all the problems 
and obstacles they are doing quite well for themselves and ASCs are here to stay and grow.
Get More Help for your Ambulatory Surgical Centers Medical Billing
If you are looking for an out-of-network strategy for ASC then partnering with medical billing companies 
like Medical Billers and Coders will benefit you for claim settlement and reimbursement as we have 
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