ASCs May Exceed Performance of Hospitals for Certain Procedures

ALEXANDRIA, VA – Measuring five quality-base performance areas, an ambulatory surgical center out performed a standard hospital based surgical center in otolaryngic surgeries, according to new research in the December 2009 issue of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.  

The cross-sectional study analyzed a total 486 cases at a pediatric ambulatory surgical center (ASC) and a hospital-based facility (HBF). The cases comprised of the four most common pediatric surgical procedures at the ASC compared to the HBF: ventilation tube insertion, dental rehabilitation, adenotonsillectomy, and ventilation tube insertion/adenoidectomy. Only outpatient procedures were included.  

The authors designed a series of quality performance measures based on the Institute of Medicine's multidimensional definition of quality. The study aimed to develop a better understanding of how an ASC might be a viable high-quality, low-cost organizational structure. The quality measures included: safety, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability.  

Seventy-seven percent of ASC cases finished within the scheduled time compared to 38 percent at the HBF, a difference of about 30 percent. Total charges were 12 – 23 percent less at the ASC as well. However, patient satisfaction was similar between facilities (ASC, n=64; HBF, n=35). For the studied sample size, the ASC had no unexpected safety events, compared to nine events at the HBF.