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Off Site Surgical Centers

Office Based Surgical Centers and Off Site Surgical Centers

Office based and off hospital site surgical centers have become very popular over the past decade. The reasons for this more personal type of surgical approach are numerous. Many have enjoyed the benefits of a comforting ambiance, greater privacy and perhaps closer one on one attention and pampering to be put at ease. Office based surgical procedures and off site surgical centers may be very appealing for your medical procedure.  These types of surgical centers may also offer an inviting experience with advancements in medical technology that may offer a less invasive approach. Still, there are some important items to note that have been known to reduce the risk of complications.

  • Accreditation/ Proper Licensing
  • Proper Equipment for Anesthesia and Technology to Support Being Under Anesthesia
  • Respirator Availability
  • Board Certified Anesthesiologist

Understand Health Access Issues

As the number of office based surgical centers has grown so rapidly, medical organizations came together to standardize practices in office based and off site surgical centers. In 2004, the AAAASF indicated that overall safety at select AAAASF-accredited surgical centers was comparable to hospital surgical centers. This was based on review of more than 600 AAAASF-accredited surgical centers that performed more than 400,000 procedures.

In late 2005, the American College of Surgeons facilitated collaboration between American Association of Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). This was sponsored by American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  The goal was to optimize safety in office based surgical centers.  The essence, as follows:

The AAAASF requires that surgeons who perform outpatient surgery in office-based surgical facilities have hospital privileges to perform the same procedures as well. This means that the surgeon’s skills have been reviewed by peers for the core  procedures in their respective specialty.

  • Office-based surgical centers that are accredited must agree to follow through on the standards established by the accrediting agency to maintain their status.

The U.S. States Movement To Respond to the Demand

The extent of state regulations to support the need for standardization of safe practices in surgical centers varies among the states in America. Following 2005, there was consensus among health care accrediting agencies to define reporting requirements. Yet, physicians may not be required to follow through on the accreditation process to become a fully accredited facility.  Some states use the term licensing for Office Based Surgical Centers.

By the end of 2014, office based surgical centers in select U.S. states will need to be “complaint” with the respective states regulations. Other states may have set different dates to be “compliant”. Still, the extent of the regulations will vary among the states. It is important to identify if the surgical center in which you plan to have surgery is fully accredited and/or properly licensed. In addition, you may want to inquire about the following to reduce your complication risks.

  • Facility has a respirator if you need one.
  • Proper supportive equipment for performing surgery under anesthesia.
  • Board Certified Anesthesiologist  Administering Anesthesia
  • Inquire about selecting anesthesia.

It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. All medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for any decisions you make based on information on this website.