Hospital vs. Ambulatory Surgery Center: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to outpatient surgery, patients may have a choice between a hospital and an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). ASCs often offer lower costs, lower infection rates, and a more focused, personalized experience.

This month, we’re taking some time to explain why an ambulatory surgery center can provide you with a better experience and lower expenses than the same procedure at a hospital.

What Is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are surgical facilities that aren’t considered part of a hospital. Specifically, an ASC must be “financially and administratively independent” from a hospital system. In other words, an ASC can be:

• Owned by a specific doctor or a medical practice
• Independently owned, with multiple physicians using the facility at various times
• Attached to a healthcare group other than a hospital

The “ambulatory” in the name refers to the fact that patients at an ASC are able to leave the facility under their own power (they can “ambulate” out the door) at the end of the procedure. Surgeries that require an overnight stay are performed at hospitals, while ASCs perform procedures that are referred to as “outpatient.”

OrthoGeorgia offers a 23-hour stay for total joint replacement (knee and hip) and spine patients. After surgery, a qualifying patient may stay with us until 6:30 am the next day.

Hospital vs. ASC: What Are the Differences?

Both hospitals and ASCs can provide quality care, and when you choose, you typically only choose the site for the operation. No matter which you choose, the same surgeon will perform the actual procedure. Besides the ownership model, however, there are some notable differences between the two:

Patient Criteria

Most patients qualify for orthopedic surgery at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). To ensure safety, however, surgeries must be performed in a hospital for patients who are considered high risk due to advanced comorbidities (existing conditions that can make the procedure riskier). These conditions include, but aren’t limited to:

• High cardiac risk
• Morbid obesity (BMI > 50)
• Malignant hyperthermia or a family history of it
• Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• An implanted cardiac defibrillator

Specialization

Many, if not most, ASCs are highly specialized, meaning they only perform specific types of surgeries. For instance, our OrthoGeorgia ASC is focused entirely on orthopedic and spine procedures, allowing us to tailor our facilities, staff, and equipment to those specialties.

A hospital, on the other hand, may have some specific operating rooms, but most of the facility’s ORs will be general-purpose spaces used for any number of procedures.

Cost

In many cases, procedures will cost less at an ASC compared to a hospital. There are several reasons for the price disparity, but the primary one is related to the nature of the facility. Hospitals operate with a much larger overhead than ASCs, and those additional costs end up being passed along to the patients and their insurers.

Is an ASC as Safe as a Hospital?

Patients are sometimes uncertain about the safety of an ASC over that of a hospital, but there’s nothing to be concerned about. ASCs and hospitals both have to meet standards and provide the same standard of care in order to remain in operation.

In fact, given the fact that many ASCs are highly specialized, your procedure may be safer at an ASC than at a hospital. An orthopedic ASC – such as OrthoGeorgia’s – only serves orthopedic patients. So, instead of sharing a facility with people who may be suffering from contagious diseases, you’ll be in a separate, self-contained facility that does not see patients with communicable conditions.

Another advantage of an ASC is that by performing outpatient procedures, the likelihood of post-operative hospital-related infections, such as staph and MRSA, is lower than in a hospital.

How Are ASCs Certified?

If you have any concerns about a specific ASC’s quality or capabilities, ask if the center is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

AAAHC-certified ASCs – including OrthoGeorgia’s orthopedic ASC – have undergone strict review to ensure the highest possible quality of care.

OrthoGeorgia has also earned the prestigious AAAHC’s Advanced Orthopaedic Certification for Total Joint Replacement and Complex Spine Procedures, underscoring our dedication to providing exceptional patient care, along with our ongoing commitment to quality improvement.

AAAHC certification is a powerful way for an ambulatory surgery center to demonstrate its commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. It signals that the organization meets rigorous standards for safety, compliance, and clinical excellence—standards recognized by insurers, government agencies, and professional associations.

Beyond recognition, certification helps strengthen internal operations. It creates a framework for continuous improvement, risk reduction, and staff education. It also supports compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, giving the organization the tools to maintain high standards every day.

Certification can also offer strategic advantages. It enhances the organization’s reputation within the community, attracts skilled healthcare professionals, and may lead to stronger relationships with vendors and payers. For surgery centers focused on growth and excellence – such as OrthoGeorgia’s – it’s a meaningful step forward.

Why Choose OrthoGeorgia’s Ambulatory Surgery Center?

At OrthoGeorgia, excellence in surgical care begins with our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery centers. Located at our Northside Drive campus in Macon, our two ASCs are fully equipped with advanced surgical technology—including the Mako SmartRobotics™ system, the first of its kind used in a Georgia ASC. Every detail, from the equipment to the staff, is designed to deliver first-class care in a warm, patient-focused environment.

With specialties in orthopedics, total joint replacement, spine, hand, foot and ankle, and sports medicine, our centers perform approximately 7,000 procedures each year—all with a less than 1% infection rate. Our hand-selected surgical teams are known not only for their clinical expertise but also for their compassion and professionalism. Compared to hospitals, our surgeons operate with the same trusted team, resulting in better continuity of care and clinical outcomes.

Accredited by AAAHC, certified by Medicare, and licensed by the State of Georgia, OrthoGeorgia’s ASCs offer the safety, convenience, and confidence patients deserve—with comprehensive care available all in one location.

Experience surgical care that puts you first—advanced, efficient, and always compassionate. Call OrthoGeorgia today to learn more or schedule a consultation: 478-745-4206

Disclaimer: The information contained within this material is intended for informational purposes only. No material in this content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider with questions regarding your medical conditions and treatment options.