Disclosure:
The Knowledge Guide may earn a commission when you purchase through links on our site. As an affiliate, we only promote products and services that we believe in and use ourselves.
Pain Management Procedures: Why They’re Being Done in Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Why It’s Not Always Necessary
Back pain and chronic pain are common conditions that can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. Pain management procedures, such as injections and nerve blocks, are often recommended as a way to manage pain and improve function. However, there is a growing concern that these procedures are being done in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) rather than in an office, in order to charge high facility fees to patients’ insurance companies.
In this article, we’ll explore why pain management procedures are being done in ASCs and whether it’s always necessary. We’ll also address the criticism of doctors who bring patients to surgery centers solely for financial gain, and explain how these procedures can be done in an office setting without intravenous anesthesia, at a lower cost and with less discomfort.
Why are pain management procedures being done in ASCs?
Pain management procedures are considered “surgery” by insurance companies, which means they are reimbursed at a higher rate when performed in a facility such as an ASC. This has led some doctors to bring their patients to surgery centers solely for financial gain, even when the procedure could be done safely and effectively in an office setting.
Is it always necessary to have pain management procedures done in an ASC?
No, it’s not always necessary to have pain management procedures done in an ASC. In fact, many procedures can be done safely and effectively in an office setting, using only local anesthesia. This approach not only reduces costs, but also minimizes discomfort and risk to the patient.
How safe are pain management procedures done under local anesthesia?
Studies have shown that pain management procedures done under local anesthesia are just as safe as those done under general or MAC anesthesia. In addition, patients typically experience less discomfort and a faster recovery time.
What are the benefits of having pain management procedures done in an office setting?
There are several benefits to having pain management procedures done in an office setting, including:
- Lower cost: Because there are no facility fees associated with an office visit, the cost of the procedure is often significantly lower than it would be in an ASC.
- Convenience: Patients can often schedule the procedure at a time that is convenient for them, rather than having to work around the schedule of an ASC.
- Reduced discomfort: Without the use of intravenous anesthesia, patients typically experience less discomfort and are able to return to normal activities more quickly.
- Lower risk: Studies have shown that procedures done under local anesthesia are safer than those done under general or MAC anesthesia.
While pain management procedures are an important tool for managing back pain and chronic pain, it’s not always necessary to have them done in an ambulatory surgery center. By having these procedures done in an office setting, patients can save money, experience less discomfort, and reduce their risk of complications. It’s important for patients to advocate for themselves and ask their doctors about the possibility of having these procedures done in an office setting, rather than automatically assuming that an ASC is necessary. Also you may want to ask your doctor if he/she has any type of ownership or financial interest in the surgery center they are performing the procedure. By law this must be disclosed and can be found posted at the surgery center.
Dr. Rainier Guiang is a board certified specialist in chronic pain management and practices in southern California at University Pain Consultants.
