How Outpatient Surgery Centers Reduce Infection Risk Compared to Hospitals

When you or a loved one is facing surgery, one of the top concerns is safety, and specifically, the risk of infection. Infections acquired during or after surgery can lead to complications, prolonged recovery, and additional healthcare costs. That’s why more patients and physicians are choosing outpatient surgery centers, also known as Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), for a growing number of procedures.

But why do outpatient surgery centers like Mountain Surgery Center (MSC) typically have lower infection rates than hospitals? In this blog, we’ll break down the reasons, the protocols, and what this means for your peace of mind.

Understanding Infection Risks in Surgery

Every surgical procedure carries some risk of infection. These are called “surgical site infections” (SSIs), and they can occur at the incision site or deeper within the body. In a hospital setting, where patients are often sicker and stay longer, the risk of encountering antibiotic-resistant bacteria or other infectious agents is higher.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)—like MRSA, C. diff, and others—are a serious concern in healthcare today. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day in the U.S.

Why Outpatient Surgery Centers Have Lower Infection Rates

Outpatient surgery centers have consistently reported lower infection rates compared to traditional hospitals. Here’s why:

1. Healthier Patient Population

ASCs typically treat healthier patients who are at lower risk for complications. Patients with serious illnesses, weakened immune systems, or complex conditions are generally referred to hospitals. This means that the overall population in an ASC is less likely to carry contagious pathogens or require invasive devices (like catheters or ventilators) that can increase infection risk.

2. Shorter Stays Mean Less Exposure

Most patients at Mountain Surgery Center go home the same day as their procedure. The longer a patient stays in a healthcare facility, the higher their risk of picking up an infection. Hospitals care for many patients overnight or for extended periods, increasing exposure to germs that can spread in a healthcare environment.

3. Specialized Environment

ASCs are designed specifically for surgical procedures and rapid recovery. The focus is on scheduled, elective surgeries, not emergency cases or intensive care. This means that facilities can be kept cleaner, more organized, and easier to monitor. At MSC, we only allow people who are cleared for surgery (patients and essential staff) into our operating rooms, reducing traffic and the risk of contamination.

4. Rigorous Infection Control Protocols

Mountain Surgery Center follows strict infection prevention protocols that meet or exceed national guidelines. Some of our practices include:

• Sterilizing all surgical instruments according to the highest standards

• Using advanced air filtration systems in operating rooms

• Enforcing strict hand hygiene for all staff and physicians

• Disinfecting patient areas between every case

• Limiting the number of people present during procedures

• Regular infection control audits and staff training

5. Lower Staff-to-Patient Ratios

Because ASCs handle fewer patients than busy hospitals, our staff can provide more focused, individualized care. Fewer patients mean less risk of cross-contamination and more time to thoroughly clean and prepare the surgical environment for each case.

6. Elective, Not Emergency Procedures

Outpatient surgery centers almost exclusively perform elective procedures. In a hospital, emergencies can happen at any time, bringing in patients with unknown or uncontrolled infections. At an ASC, patients are scheduled and screened in advance, minimizing surprises and infection risk.

What the Research Shows

Multiple studies have shown that infection rates in ambulatory surgery centers are significantly lower than in hospitals. For example:

• A study published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that the risk of surgical site infections was up to 10 times lower in ASCs compared to hospitals for similar procedures.

• The CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have recognized that ASCs maintain a safer, lower-infection environment due to specialized protocols.

At Mountain Surgery Center, our infection rate is consistently below the national average, a testament to our vigilant approach.

Common Types of Outpatient Procedures with Lower Infection Risk

Some of the most common outpatient procedures that benefit from the ASC environment include:

• Arthroscopy (knee, shoulder, hip)

• Hand and wrist surgery

• Spine injections and minimally invasive spine procedures

• Foot and ankle surgery

• Varicose vein procedures

• Pain management injections

Many of these procedures are performed through tiny incisions or with minimally invasive techniques, which also helps reduce infection risk and promote faster healing.

What Are the Signs of Infection After Surgery?

Even with the best protocols, patients need to know the signs of infection after surgery:

• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision

• Pus or unusual discharge from the wound

• Fever or chills

• Increased pain not relieved by medication

• Unusual odor from the surgical site

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your care team immediately. Early detection and intervention are key.

How Mountain Surgery Center Keeps You Safe

At MSC, patient safety is our highest priority. Our infection prevention efforts include:

1. Preoperative Screening

Every patient is screened for infections or risk factors before surgery. If there’s any sign of illness, we’ll reschedule your procedure to keep you and others safe.

2. Advanced Sterilization

We use hospital-grade sterilization for all equipment. Our team follows detailed checklists to make sure every instrument is sterile and ready for your procedure.

3. Continuous Training

Our staff receives ongoing education in infection prevention, and we hold regular drills and updates to stay current with the latest standards.

4. Collaboration With Specialists

If a patient does develop an infection or complication, we work closely with infectious disease specialists and your referring physician to ensure rapid, coordinated care.

5. Transparent Reporting

We believe in transparency. Our infection rates are tracked, monitored, and reported according to state and national standards.

Tips for Patients: Reducing Your Own Infection Risk

While your surgical team handles most infection prevention, there are steps you can take as a patient:

• Follow all preoperative instructions: This might include showering with antibacterial soap, not shaving the surgical area, and avoiding lotions or makeup.

• Share your medical history: Let your care team know if you’ve ever had an infection after surgery, if you have diabetes, or if you’re taking immune-suppressing medications.

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions: If you’re unsure about medications, wound care, or symptoms to watch for, ask your team.

• Practice good hygiene at home: Keep your incision clean and dry, follow all post-op instructions, and avoid swimming or submerging your wound until cleared by your surgeon.

Why Infection Control Matters—Now More Than Ever

The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on infection control across healthcare. At Mountain Surgery Center, we adapted rapidly, implementing advanced screening, social distancing, and strict visitor policies. These enhancements continue to benefit our patients today.

Outpatient surgery centers like MSC are uniquely positioned to provide safe, efficient care in a setting designed to minimize infection risk. Lower infection rates mean better outcomes, shorter recovery, and greater peace of mind for you and your family.

Ready for Surgery? Choose Safety. Choose MSC.

If you’re considering surgery and want the safest possible experience, ask your doctor about Mountain Surgery Center. Our infection rates are among the lowest in New Jersey, and our team is committed to keeping it that way.

Have questions or want to schedule a consultation?
Contact us today to learn more about our procedures, safety protocols, and how we’re raising the standard for outpatient care.