Outpatient Services

Important Considerations

There are numerous benefits to outpatient services, depending on the type of medical procedure you need and your personal preference.

• Outpatient services can be cost-effective. Often, the procedure that you need may be less expensive at an outpatient service center than at a hospital, especially since you are not billed for separate hospital services. Outpatient service centers do not require an overnight stay. This can reduce costs.
• The staff usually has a great deal of experience that is focused on the procedure you need. Outpatient service centers usually specialize in one type of treatment or procedure, so the staff is highly experienced in the type of service offered. The equipment and techniques used may also be the most advanced.
• Outpatient services may be more convenient for you. All of the care that you need before, during, and after the procedure, surgery, or test may be conveniently provided in one place.

When choosing an outpatient facility, consider:

• The reputation and quality of the center. What do you know about the care offered by the facility? Learning about the particular center before the procedure may prevent you from receiving poor care. For more information about determining the quality of an outpatient facility, see the Quality of Outpatient Services section on this topic.
• The center's ability to access emergency equipment. Does the center have all of the possible equipment and knowledge it needs to treat you in case of an emergency during your procedure, test, or surgery—such as problems with anesthesia during surgery or your newborn needing intensive care after delivery? If you have additional health conditions, you may be at higher risk for needing emergency care.
• The center's connection to a major hospital, in case you need emergency care, and how far away the hospital is.
• The center's level of follow-up care. Do you know if the center offers follow-up care or has designated someone to care for you after the procedure, surgery, or test? Will you receive clear, written instructions on how to care for yourself after your visit? Follow-up care can be an important part of appropriate health care.
• The center's location. Is the facility close enough that if you need to return for additional care, you can get there without too much inconvenience? Is there a center located closer to you that offers the same service?
• The type of communication that will be available to your doctor. Will the facility send all test results and reports to your doctor? If a center does not communicate well, it will be a struggle to get helpful information to your doctor. Talk with your doctor and others who have used the center to determine whether the staff will communicate well with you and your doctor.
• Your insurance coverage. Does your health plan provide coverage for the particular outpatient service center? It is possible that your health care coverage will dictate where you can obtain care. Check with your provider to understand your options. If the center is not covered, you risk having to pay for the services.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brent Shoji, MD - General Surgery
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