Ambulatory surgery centers — known as ASCs — are modern healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. The centers offer the same quality of care as hospitals but often at a lower cost and with easy access to the care facility.

If a patient needs a procedure that is available at an ambulatory surgery center, the doctor and patient together can determine if the level of care is best suited to take place in an ambulatory surgery center or if it requires hospital admission.

Hospital care includes overnight stay for surgeries, treatments or other procedures when more advanced care may be needed. Costs will likely be higher due to several factors, including the breadth of care provided in the hospital setting.

Ambulatory surgery centers provide same-day, outpatient care, so there is no overnight stay. Procedures and treatments performed there may be more routine and for patients who do not require additional care. Costs at ambulatory surgery centers are often lower for several reasons, including the facility size and the types of care provided.