Which of the following is explicitly listed as an advantage of ASCs over hospitals?

• A. Lower infection rates
• B. Longer hospitalization
• C. Higher facility costs
• D. Reduced patient satisfaction

Answer: (A)

Lower infection rates are a recognized advantage of ambulatory surgery centers. Because ASCs focus on selected outpatient procedures and keep the patient cohort healthier, they can implement streamlined, procedure-specific infection control practices and discharge patients the same day. The shorter stay and reduced exposure to a broad hospital environment help minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections compared with inpatient settings. In contrast, longer hospitalization is not an ASC advantage since these centers are designed for same-day discharge. Higher facility costs are not typical; ASCs generally have lower overhead and facility fees for the procedures they perform. Reduced patient satisfaction would not be an advantage, as many patients appreciate the convenience, faster scheduling, and quicker recovery associated with outpatient care.