Frequent Questions
What is an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)?
An ASC is a “same day” surgery center. Patients have surgery and return home on the same day, staying no longer than 23 hours (mandated by licensing requirements).
Would I receive better, safer, more efficient care at a hospital?
Absolutely not! ASCs are regulated by the same governmental agencies that hospitals are: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, Drug Enforcement Agency, Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, etc. Furthermore, our ASC is voluntarily accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We participate in this accreditation process voluntarily, even though the regulations, standards, and requirements are much more stringent than those of state and federal licensing agencies. This contributes to top quality patient care and clinical outcomes.
How do infection rates and ASC safety compare with that of hospitals?
There is much data that suggests ASC’s infection, complication, adverse event, and death rates are significantly lower than hospitals.
Is it true the reason my doctor wants me to have surgery here is because he holds ownership interest in the ASC?
No. By operating in ASCs instead of hospitals, physicians gain the opportunity to have more direct control over their surgical practices.1 In the ASC setting, physicians are able to schedule procedures more conveniently, assemble teams of specially-trained and highly skilled staff, ensure the equipment and supplies being used are best suited to their technique, and design facilities tailored to their specialties. Simply stated, physicians are striving for, and have found in ASCs, the professional autonomy over their work environment and over the quality of care that has not been available to them in hospitals. These benefits explain why physicians who do not have ownership interest in ASCs (and therefore do not benefit financially from performing procedures in an ASC) choose to work in ASCs in such high numbers.
Will it cost me more to go to an ASC?
Certainly not! On the contrary, ASCs are almost ALWAYS less expensive than going to a hospital.
Is Houma Outpatient Accredited?
Yes. Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an ambulatory health care organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized standards. The accreditation process involves self-assessment by the organization, as well as a thorough review by the Accreditation Association’s expert surveyors, who themselves have extensive experience in the ambulatory environment. It is this self-analysis, peer review and consultation that ultimately helps an organization improve its care and services.
The Certificate of Accreditation is a symbol to others that an organization has committed to providing high-quality care and that it has demonstrated its commitment by measuring up to the Accreditation Association’s high standards. It promotes confidence to the community it serves and increases an organization’s competitive edge in the marketplace. In addition, accreditation may satisfy certain regulatory requirements for licensure or certification, facilitates third-party reimbursement and insurance premium reduction.