Health Care

Ambulatory Surgery Center or Hospital Operating Room? Here’s What to Know

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Have you ever wondered what an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) offers? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re here to explain the differences between ambulatory surgery centers and hospital operating rooms so you can make the most informed decision possible if a time of need arises for you or a loved one.

What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?

An ASC offers outpatient procedures and surgeries while still maintaining high-quality care, expertise and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Ambulatory surgery centers are facilities offering surgical and diagnostic procedures that are typically simpler and less invasive to the patient. We understand that needing surgery can sound invasive and scary. But it may give you peace of mind to know that nowadays, with the advances in surgical procedures and techniques, many surgical procedures can be performed in this type of stand-alone facility, rather than a hospital OR.

Procedures and surgeries performed at a surgery center are done the same day and don’t require an overnight stay.

Procedures vary by the specific ASC, but can include treatment for the following conditions:

  • Arrythmias or slow heart rate
  • Arthroscopy
  • Cataracts
  • Colonoscopy and endoscopy
  • Coronary blockage
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Disc herniation/laminectomy
  • Ear, nose and throat conditions
  • Essential tremor
  • Gall bladder removal
  • GYN procedures such as D and C and tubal ligations
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hernias
  • Lower back pain 
  • Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Obesity
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Tumor removal
  • Vascular disease

These are just some of the specialists that surgery centers can work with:

  • Bariatric surgeons
  • Cardiologists
  • Ear, nose and throat surgeons
  • Gastroenterologists
  • General surgeons
  • GYN surgeons
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Oncologists
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Plastic surgeons
  • Podiatrists
  • Urologists
  • Vascular surgeons

How is an ASC Different from a Hospital OR?

Ambulatory surgery centers are offsite facilities, meaning separate from hospitals. Surgery centers are typically owned and managed by a private entity or group of health care providers.

Ambulatory surgery centers are often more efficient with no differences in procedural complication rates vs. hospital outpatient facilities. Ambulatory surgery centers can significantly reduce patient costs per procedure.

Benefits of Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Some of the many benefits ambulatory care facilities offer for your surgical needs include:

  • Customized care
  • Ease of scheduling
  • Ease of Access
  • High patient satisfaction
  • Reduced costs to patient
  • Reduced wait times

These significant benefits have increased the use of ambulatory surgery centers by patients. They’re now considered the preferred locations for elective surgical procedures.

In-and-Out Surgical Care You Can Trust

Did you know that AdventHealth has eight ambulatory surgery centers across Central Florida, with more slated to open within the next two years?

Our Central Florida ambulatory surgery center locations include:

  • Blue Springs
  • Daytona Beach (opening 2024)
  • Innovation Tower (Orlando)
  • Lake Mary
  • Maitland
  • Mills Park (Orlando)
  • Ormond Beach
  • Port Orange

Lakewood (Villages)

When you need advanced surgical care, whether it’s elective or urgent, rely on our world-class surgeons to provide the quality care you need. Find a location that offers surgical care near you by visiting us here.

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