Comparing outcomes with Neck Surgery (ADC&F) performed in Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) vs Hospital

1. Neck surgery can be more cost effective and just as safe at Ambulatory Surgical
Center (ASC) vs Hospital
A recent study presented at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in
Boston showed that 1 & 2 level neck fusions can be performed as safely and
cheaper than the same surgery performed ata hospital. Matthew J McGirt, MD
presented the findings at the annual CNS meeting and along with his co-
investigator also received The Samuel Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award
at the meeting for the research.
The study compared two groups of patients who underwent1 and 2 level anterior
neck surgeries (ACD&F) atan ASCvs a hospital. They found the complication
rates, return to work rates and outcomes at 3 months were equal. More
importantly, the surgeries performed at an ASC were on average$7,000 cheaper.
“This is a costsaving advancementin ACD&F surgery. Froma patient, payer,
purchaser, and societal perspective, the ASCsetting offers superior value and can
lead to costsavings of over $7,000 per patient.” adds Dr McGirt.
Las Cruces Orthopedic Associates (LCOA) and Las Cruces SurgicalCenter (LCSC)
have been performing outpatient anterior neck surgery since2009. Our goalhas
always been to providethe most efficient and cost effective care possible. This
important paper adds moreevidence to the effectiveness of outpatient, ASC
based surgicalcare.
Paul Saiz, MD