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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBlue Shield Ambulatory Surgery Centersblueshieldca.com ambulatory surgery centers can save you money With your Blue Shield health plan, did you know you could save money by going to a network ambulatory surgery center (ASC) when you need outpatient surgery? Here are some smart and money-saving reasons why you should consider an ASC: Lower costs for you The following examples show the difference in the out-of-pocket costs when going to a network ASC versus a network hospital, and your potential savings. Mary has a Blue Shield PPO plan with 20% coinsurance for covered services, and her daughter, enrolled as a dependent, needs a tonsillectomy. Now compare the cost savings of her procedure at an ASC to a network hospital. Network hospital:$3,274*20% coinsurance:$654† Network ASC:$1,141*20% coinsurance:$228† Mary’s savings:$426! Note: While PPO members can choose to go to an ASC or hospital outside the Blue Shield network, the coinsurance amount is higher for the out-of-network services, and members are responsible for costs above the Blue Shield allowable amount. HMO members can save, too. Bob has a Blue Shield HMO plan and needs bunion surgery. Look at the difference of his copayments for the same procedure at an ASC versus a network hospital.* Network hospital copay:$400 Network ASC copay:$200 Bob’s savings:$200! * Based on procedures performed in Blue Shield network outpatient hospitals and ASCs in the Los Angeles region May 2010. Cost savings may differ depending on procedure, location, and center. † Prices and savings not guaranteed. These are estimates based on location, procedure, plan design, specific hospital, and ASC. An Independent Member of the Blue Shield Association A17171 (8/10) Quality always counts Rest assured, by choosing an ASC in our networks, you’ll have access to quality care. That’s because all our providers meet Blue Shield of California’s credentialing standards. Flexible scheduling Unlike hospitals, an ASC is dedicated solely to outpatient procedures. You’re more likely to have greater scheduling flexibility and a shorter wait time after you arrive for your appointment. Easy to find To find a nearby ASC, go to blueshieldca.com, click on Find a Provider, then choose Hospital and Other Care Centers, and select Ambulatory Surgery in the Search by Facility Type box. Compare your costs To compare your out-of-pocket costs, check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or Certificate of Insurance (COI), or log on to blueshieldca.com and click on My Health Plan. You can also call the customer service phone number listed on your Blue Shield member ID card. Here are some of the many common surgical and other procedures performed at ASCs: • Most endoscopies, including colonoscopies • Certain orthopedic surgeries, including arthroscopies • Biopsies and hernia repairs • Infertility procedures and laparoscopies • Tonsil removal and ear tube surgery • Many ophthalmology surgeries, including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplants • Certain urology procedures, such as cystoscopies • Epidural injections, nerve blocks, and lumbar punctures • Bunion surgery Note: Not all procedures or patients are candidates for surgery at an ASC. You should talk to you doctor about the options that are best for your medical condition and specific health needs.