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The Benefits of Injections and Minimally Invasive Surgery in an ASC: A Focus on Patient Safety and Cost

The Benefits of Injections and Minimally Invasive Surgery in an ASC: A Focus on Patient Safety and Cost

By Dr. Justin Thompson, Arizona Pain



When it comes to treating pain, especially through injections and minimally invasive surgery, the setting in which these procedures are performed can have a significant impact on both patient safety and cost. Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) offer a specialized environment that combines the convenience of an outpatient clinic with the advanced resources of a hospital. At Arizona Pain, we prioritize performing many of our procedures in ASCs, and this article will explore the reasons why this setting offers substantial benefits to patients.

What Is an ASC?


An Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a healthcare facility that provides same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. ASCs are equipped with the necessary technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care in a safe and efficient environment. Unlike hospitals, ASCs focus exclusively on outpatient procedures, which allows for more streamlined operations and a patient-centered approach.


Benefits of Injections and Minimally Invasive Surgery in an ASC

1. Enhanced Patient Safety

Patient safety is a top priority in any medical procedure, and ASCs are specifically designed to maintain high standards of care.

  • Infection Control: ASCs typically have lower infection rates compared to hospitals. This is partly because ASCs perform fewer complex and high-risk surgeries, reducing the overall risk of exposure to infections. Additionally, the controlled environment of an ASC, with rigorous sterilization protocols, helps minimize the risk of postoperative infections.
  • Specialized Care: ASCs are staffed with healthcare professionals who specialize in outpatient procedures. This specialization ensures that the team is highly experienced in performing injections and minimally invasive surgeries, leading to better outcomes and fewer complications.
  • Focused Attention: Since ASCs handle a limited number of cases per day compared to hospitals, each patient receives more personalized and attentive care. This focused approach reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures that patients are closely monitored throughout their procedure.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of undergoing injections and minimally invasive surgery in an ASC is the potential for cost savings.

  • Lower Facility Fees: ASCs typically have lower overhead costs than hospitals, which translates into lower facility fees for patients. This cost reduction can be particularly beneficial for those undergoing multiple procedures or those with high-deductible insurance plans.
  • Transparent Pricing: Many ASCs offer more transparent pricing compared to hospitals, allowing patients to better understand the costs associated with their procedures. This transparency helps patients make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of unexpected bills.
  • Insurance Savings: Insurance companies often recognize the cost-effectiveness of ASCs and may offer lower co-pays or deductibles for procedures performed in these settings. This can lead to significant savings for patients, especially for those requiring ongoing treatments like injections.

3. Convenience and Efficiency

The streamlined operations of an ASC provide a more convenient and efficient experience for patients.

  • Shorter Wait Times: ASCs are known for their efficiency, often resulting in shorter wait times for both scheduling procedures and on the day of the surgery. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for patients dealing with pain, as it allows for quicker access to necessary treatments.
  • Same-Day Discharge: Unlike hospitals, where patients might need to stay overnight, most procedures performed in an ASC allow for same-day discharge. This means patients can recover in the comfort of their own homes, which can enhance the overall healing process.
  • Personalized Care Experience: With a smaller patient volume compared to hospitals, ASCs can offer a more personalized care experience. Patients often appreciate the focused attention they receive, which can contribute to a more positive and less stressful surgical experience.

Common Procedures Performed in an ASC


At Arizona Pain, many of the injections and minimally invasive surgeries we offer are ideally suited to be performed in an ASC. Some common procedures include:

  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Used to relieve pain caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, these injections are safely and effectively performed in an ASC setting.
  • Facet Joint Injections: These injections help diagnose and treat pain from the small joints in the spine, offering quick relief with minimal downtime.
  • Medial Branch Blocks are diagnostic and therapeutic injections used to relieve pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. By injecting a local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints, these blocks can help determine the source of pain and provide temporary relief. Medial Branch Blocks are often a precursor to more long-term treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce pain by disrupting nerve signals. The precision and safety of an ASC make it an ideal setting for this treatment.
  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD): This procedure treats spinal stenosis by removing small pieces of bone or ligament, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Performing MILD in an ASC ensures a controlled environment with the added benefit of reduced recovery time.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Spinal Cord stimulation is an amazing procedure that we have thanks to increasing advancement in technology. It helps to normalize painful nerve signals. It is an incredible treatment for chronic back pain that is non surgical in nature or neuropathy type pain such as Diabetic painful neuropathy. This nerve pain is usually characterized as a burning, tingling, or even numbness. When properly diagnosed and assessed SCS is a very successful treatment for this type of pain.
  • SI Joint Fusion is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that stabilizes the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. By fusing the joint, this procedure helps alleviate chronic pain caused by conditions such as sacroiliitis or SI joint dysfunction. SI Joint Fusion is particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments.
  • Pain Pumps, also known as intrathecal pumps, are implantable devices that deliver medication directly to the spinal cord, providing targeted pain relief. This method allows for lower doses of medication compared to oral or systemic treatments, reducing the risk of side effects. Pain pumps are often used for managing chronic pain conditions, such as cancer pain or severe spasticity, when other treatments have been ineffective.


        Conclusion


        Choosing an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) for injections and minimally invasive surgery offers numerous benefits, particularly in terms of patient safety and cost-effectiveness. At Arizona Pain, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care in the most appropriate setting, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible outcomes with the least disruption to their lives. If you are considering a pain management procedure, an ASC may be the ideal choice for a safe, efficient, and cost-effective treatment experience.


        Dr. Justin Thompson is the CEO of Arizona Pain, we hope this blog helps in providing insights into advanced medical treatments and patient care strategies.