Surgeries are performed either in an inpatient or outpatient setting, depending on the patient’s overall condition and the type and complexity of the procedure being performed. There are key differences between inpatient and outpatient surgeries and why a doctor would recommend one over the other.
Inpatient Procedures
An inpatient procedure is performed in a hospital setting and requires at least one night of stay at the facility. The patient remains in the hospital and under the supervision of the physician and staff. There is a big difference in cost when between inpatient and outpatient procedures, since every night a patient spends in the hospital incurs costs, making inpatient procedures significantly costlier. Added costs include surgical facility fees, operating room supply fees, rehabilitation fees, and more.
Surgical procedures that are more serious and complex, such as open-heart surgery, Cesarean birth, hip replacement surgery, and spinal fusion surgery, typically entail a lengthy recovery and require a hospital stay. If the surgery requires a large incision, the doctor will perform in an inpatient setting for care and observation, as the risk of complications after the procedure is higher.
Outpatient Procedures
An outpatient procedure is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), which are outpatient facilities affiliated with local hospitals. By contrast, outpatient procedures usually involve smaller incisions, which reduce the risk of complications and entail a faster recovery. Examples of outpatient procedures include minimally-invasive joint, tendon, or meniscus repair, superficial wound care, debridement, cataract surgery, and lumpectomy. Patients who undergo surgery in an outpatient setting go home on the same day (after the anesthesia has worn off) to complete their recovery.
Outpatient procedures have become increasingly popular and have a high satisfaction rate. Being able to recover in the comfort of their home is very beneficial to patients. Patients who recover from home tend to eat and sleep better. Additionally, outpatient surgeries are also cost-effective. The difference between inpatient surgery and outpatient surgery could run up to tens of thousands of dollars, which is typical for lengthier hospital stays. Even patients with health insurance end up paying a significantly higher amount for inpatient surgeries. The average cost of knee arthroplasty in an inpatient setting is over $30,000, whereas the same procedure in an outpatient setting may cost around $19,000. Also, it is possible for outpatient surgery to become an inpatient surgery depending on the observations of the surgeon and staff.
A wide range of surgical procedures can now be performed in an outpatient setting. When choosing an ambulatory surgery center for your surgery, make sure to check for accreditation. Outpatient surgery is still a major undertaking, and you want a highly qualified medical provider who is an expert in the specific procedure that you need.
Outpatient Surgery in Naples, FL
North Naples Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgery center that specializes in same-day minimally-invasive orthopedic procedures, such as knee replacement and hip replacement surgery. If you have questions about outpatient surgery or would like to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, call (239) 591-2803 or use our online appointment request form. If you are a physician and would like to be associated with us, give us a call to discuss.
