Ambulatory surgery. An evolution.

Technological advances have allowed the number of outpatient surgical procedures performed each year to increase steadily. Pressure from patients, physicians, and third-party payers has led to an increase in the number of freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). By virtue of their structure, freestanding ASCs have been able to provide services at a lower cost than their hospital counterparts. Rapid changes in the health care environment are forcing health care facilities to adopt cost-cutting measures in an attempt to compete in the marketplace.