Is Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery Safe? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
Primary source: Neil Bhamb, MD
When you think about orthopedic surgery, chances are you picture a hospital: long wait times, restless hospital nights, confusing discharge processes, and a general sense of overwhelm. Not long ago, even routine procedures required an overnight stay in the hospital.
But that’s changing—quickly. Thanks to advancements in minimally invasive techniques and anesthesia, many orthopedic and spine surgeries can be done safely and efficiently in a single day, getting you back to the comfort of home that same night. This is the world of ambulatory surgery, also known as outpatient or same-day surgery.
We caught up with Commons Clinic’s own, Dr. Neil Bhamb, to talk about the benefits of same-day orthopedic surgery, what makes someone an ideal candidate for a procedure at an ASC, and the overall outpatient surgery experience.
What Is Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery?
Same-day, or ambulatory surgery, refers to procedures that don’t require an overnight hospital stay. These surgeries are performed on an “outpatient” basis, most often in specialized facilities known as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). In many ways, ASCs offer a smarter, safer, and more personalized alternative to traditional hospital settings.
Dr. Neil Bhamb, a leading spine surgeon with a focus on minimally invasive and motion-preserving procedures, has been performing surgeries in ASCs since day one of his practice. For him, it’s not just a setting—it’s a philosophy.
“Everyone at the ASC is rowing in the same direction. You’re not just one of a thousand things happening that day—you’re the focus. That’s the kind of care I believe in.”
About the Expert: Dr. Neil Bhamb, Spine Surgeon
Dr. Neil Bhamb is a board-certified spine surgeon offering the latest in minimally invasive, image-guided surgical techniques. His treatment philosophy centers around getting people back to what they love—faster, stronger, and with confidence.
He blends the latest innovations in minimally invasive, motion-preserving techniques like disc replacement and endoscopic decompressions with care that’s deeply personal and refreshingly human.
What sets him apart? He’s not just your surgeon—he’s your coach, your guide, and your partner through every step of the journey. From exploring all your options to texting you after surgery to see how you’re doing, Dr. Bhamb is all in—because great outcomes start with real relationships.
What Orthopedic Surgeries Can Be Performed at an ASC?
While medical advancements continue to make more procedures possible at ASCs, not all are well-suited for this setting. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate surgery setting based on a number of factors, including the procedure complexity and your overall health status.
Dr. Bhamb specializes in a range of orthopedic spine surgeries that are ideal for the ASC setting, including:
- Cervical artificial disc replacement
- Lumbar artificial disc replacement
- Endoscopic discectomy and foraminotomy
These minimally invasive spine surgeries generally have shorter recovery times, less post-op discomfort, and a lower risk of complications, making them an excellent fit for an ambulatory surgery environment. Other orthopedic surgeries commonly performed at ASCs are total joint replacements (hip and knee), arthroscopic surgeries, ligament repairs (ACL, etc.), carpal tunnel releases, and more.
How Exactly is an Ambulatory Surgery Center Different from a Hospital?
ASCs are outpatient facilities that are smaller and more specialized than hospitals. They focus on a specific set of procedures and are staffed by teams who know them inside and out. Unlike hospitals, where staff might bounce from a gallbladder surgery to hip surgery in a single shift, ASC teams are highly focused.
ASCs also adhere to the same strict safety standards as hospitals, including Medicare certifications and detailed inspections that cover everything from emergency protocols to the thickness of insulation in refrigerated medication storage. So, despite their smaller size, ASCs are not lacking in oversight or emergency preparedness—they must meet the same rigorous regulatory requirements to operate.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgery at an ASC?
ASCs are a great fit for patients who:
- Are medically stable and relatively healthy
- Require lower complexity procedures
- Are looking for quicker recovery and lower costs
Patients with significant medical complexities may still be better suited for hospital-based care, but for many, an ASC offers the perfect balance of safety and convenience.
Key Benefits of Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery
- Faster Recovery at Home: Recovering in your own bed, with familiar surroundings and loved ones nearby, often provides greater comfort and leads to better outcomes.
- Lower Risk of Infection: Since you’re not staying in a hospital overnight, your exposure to hospital-acquired infections drops significantly.
- Cost Savings: Due to lower facility fees and improved care efficiency, ambulatory surgeries tend to be significantly more affordable without sacrificing care quality.
- Streamlined Experience: From check-in to discharge, everything is designed to be simple, efficient, and patient-centered. With less overhead and a leaner operational structure, the care team has more time and energy to invest in each patient.
- Convenient Scheduling: Wait times for procedures at ASCs are typically shorter, giving you quicker access to the care you need.
- Enhanced Care Quality: In many ways, more efficient care means better care—efficiency can have a significant impact on the readiness and collaboration of the care team, aligning their goals and incentives while promoting accountability that reinforces the delivery of high-quality care.
The ASC Advantage: What Patients Actually Experience
Patients who choose orthopedic surgery at an ASC often notice the difference immediately:
- Faster check-in and discharge times
- Personalized attention from a tight-knit team
- Consistency and communication at every step
- Fewer handoffs and greater continuity of care
The efficiency of ASCs also means fewer delays and a more seamless recovery process. “You’re not waiting around for hours post-op or wondering where your nurse went. Everything is clear, calm, and designed around your comfort and success,” says Dr. Bhamb.
What to Expect: Your Ambulatory Orthopedic Surgery Journey
Before Surgery
You’ll have a pre-operative consultation to review your medical history, current medications, and any special instructions. Your care team will ensure you’re fully prepared for the day of surgery.
Day Of
You’ll arrive at the ASC, check in, and meet your surgeon and anesthesia team. After the procedure, you’ll be moved to recovery, where you’ll be monitored until you’re ready to go home.
Post-Operative Care
You’ll receive detailed recovery instructions and any necessary prescriptions. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled ahead of time, and the orthopedic surgery team will check on you in the days following your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I really be ready to go home the same day?
Yes—patients are carefully monitored post-procedure and only discharged once they’re stable, alert, and able to move with minimal assistance. You’ll never be rushed.
Is it safe to have orthopedic surgery at an ambulatory center?
Absolutely. These centers are regulated by the same entities as their hospital-based counterparts and must uphold the same high standards. Many are equipped with advanced technology equal to or better than hospital settings. ASCs are staffed by highly-skilled board-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, all of whom are familiar with working together on a daily basis. In fact, studies consistently confirm the safety of ASCs, demonstrating no significant differences in complication rates compared to hospital-based settings.
What if there are complications or I need hospital care?
Every ASC has protocols in place for emergency escalation. If higher-level care is ever needed, seamless transfers ensure care continuity without delay.
Why Choose Marina Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Commons Clinic?
Dr. Bhamb operates out of several facilities, but he has a special appreciation for Marina Orthopedic & Spine Institute at Commons Clinic (MOSI). Designed by spine surgeons, MOSI was built with every detail in mind—from the most advanced surgical equipment to expert staff who have decades of experience in same-day surgery care.
“At MOSI, the people prepping the room know what procedure you’re having that day. The anesthesiologist knows your case. The post-op nurse has cared for patients just like you for years. That level of familiarity makes a big difference,” Dr. Bhamb explains.
At MOSI, we bring the best of both worlds: the academic rigor of leading hospitals and the personalized, human-centered approach of private practice. Our orthopedic surgery center is designed to deliver:
- Advanced minimally invasive techniques
- Comfortable, thoughtfully designed environments
- Multidisciplinary care teams
- Personalized treatment plans and recovery support
Final Thoughts: A More Human Kind of Surgical Care
Ambulatory surgery centers are making many procedures safer, more efficient, and more comfortable than ever. At Commons Clinic, we believe that healing starts with care that respects your time, your comfort, and your life outside the OR.
ASCs like MOSI are redefining what surgical care can feel like—less like a procedure, and more like a partnership. With an experienced, focused team and a setting designed for safety, efficiency, and personal connection, patients receive top-tier care in a way that feels predictable, coordinated, and centered on them.
Considering orthopedic surgery? Let’s make it simple, safe, and convenient.
Find out if ambulatory orthopedic surgery is right for you. Schedule a consultation with an expert Commons Clinic physician and explore your options with confidence.
(562) 348-4588