Blue Shield of California recommends the use of a network ambulatory surgery center over a network hospital for outpatient surgery as a way to save money in an article in its Sept. Now I Know newsletter.
The article, titled "Call it out: Switching to ambulatory surgery centers reduces costs," compares the charges for a tonsillectomy at a Los Angeles area network hospital and network ASC as an example of the possible savings when using a surgery center.
The article also provides background information on ASCs and gives examples of some common outpatient procedures performed in surgery centers.
Now I Know is a bi-monthly newsletter for midsize and large employer groups. Blue Shield provides materials to be shared with employees to educate them on how they can save on outpatient procedures using an ASC. They include a "The One Procedure, Two Choices flier" (pdf) and a poster (pdf).
Related Articles on the ASC Industry:
OIG to Compare Surgery Center Payment Rates, Safety and Quality to HOPDs
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ASC Association Expresses Concern Over Surgery Center Inclusion in Meaningful Use Rules