Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Ambulatory Surgery Journey
At Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional orthopedic care as one of the few AAAHC-certified centers in Florida. Patients from near and far choose us because receiving the best care isn’t just about convenience – it’s about finding a destination dedicated to excellence. If you’re ready to become a new patient and take the first step toward world-class care, here’s what you need to know.
How Do Ambulatory Surgery Centers Work?
As an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), Andrews Institute operates on a referral basis, where patients are referred to specialists who perform their procedures at our facility. ASCs are designed to offer efficient, high-quality outpatient care that allows patients to recover comfortably at home, often with better outcomes, more flexible scheduling, and more affordable options compared to traditional hospitals. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Get a Referral – Your primary care physician (PCP) refers you to a specialist for orthopedic care. If you prefer to see a specialist who performs surgeries at Andrews Institute, let your PCP know—they can note this in the referral.
- Find a Specialist – Your referred specialist partners with Andrews Institute to perform your surgery. If your specialist is not one of Andrews Institute’s partners, you can still request Andrews Institute as the preferred location for your procedure.
- Schedule Your Surgery – The specialist schedules your procedure at Andrews Institute’s state-of-the-art ASC.
- Plan Your Visit – If traveling for care, our team can provide resources for nearby accommodations.
Prefer Your Surgery at Andrews Institute? We’re Here to Help!
If you’d prefer to have your surgery at Andrews Institute ASC, let your surgeon know, or feel free to reach out to us directly. While your surgeon’s office typically handles referrals, we’re happy to help facilitate the process. If you contact us, we’ll coordinate with your surgeon’s office to explore the option of having your procedure at our facility.
How the Ambulatory Referral Process Works
Finding the Right Specialist for Your Orthopedic Care
Your journey to orthopedic care often begins with an ambulatory referral from your primary care physician (PCP). If your PCP determines that specialized treatment is needed, they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor. During this discussion, you can mention a preference for one of Andrews Institute’s highly skilled specialists, who partner with our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) to provide expert care.
While the Andrews Institute ASC is not where you receive your initial referral, it is the high-quality facility where partner surgeons perform outpatient procedures that are suited for an ambulatory setting. By discussing your care options with your PCP and getting an ambulatory referral to a specialist, you ensure that you receive top-tier care in a setting designed for efficient, effective treatment.
To explore the specialists affiliated with Andrews Institute, browse our list of surgeons.
Once Referred: What to Expect as a Surgical Patient
A Supportive Experience From Referral to Recovery
After receiving an ambulatory referral to a specialist, the next steps are designed to be simple and stress-free. All preparations for your surgery, including scheduling and appointments, will be managed through your specialist’s office. This ensures a smooth process, as your specialist will coordinate every detail of your procedure at the Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Even though your surgery takes place at Andrews Institute ASC, your specialist remains your primary point of contact, providing a seamless experience from pre-operative preparation to recovery.
For more detailed information on what to expect on the day of your surgery and recovery tips, visit our What to Expect page.
Traveling for Care? Resources for Out-of-Town Patients
For patients traveling to Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center, we’re here to make your visit as smooth as possible. If you need accommodations before or after your procedure, our team has compiled a list of nearby hotels that are comfortable and convenient to the center. Many of these hotels offer special rates for Andrews Institute patients—simply ask about discounted rates when booking and mention you’re here for a procedure at Andrews Institute.
View Our List of Recommended Hotels with Discount Information
FAQs: Navigating Ambulatory Referrals and Surgery
We know you may have questions about your surgical journey, so we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries about ambulatory referrals and surgery at Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ambulatory referral is a recommendation from your primary care physician or specialist to see another specialist for a procedure or treatment that can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you don’t need to stay overnight in a hospital.
Your primary care physician can help connect you with a specialist. You can also browse our list of partner orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors to find the right fit for your needs.
Request an Appointment
View Our Orthopedic Surgeons
An ASC is a facility designed for same-day surgical care, allowing patients to return home shortly after their procedure. Unlike hospitals, ASCs focus on outpatient care, providing efficient, affordable treatment with quicker recovery times.
While both ASCs and OSCs offer same-day surgical care, the main difference lies in ownership and pricing. OSCs are usually part of a hospital, meaning they follow hospital regulations and pricing structures, often resulting in higher costs.
ASCs, on the other hand, are independently owned and not bound by hospital rules or pricing, which often makes them a more affordable option. Both facilities maintain high standards for safety, offering outpatient surgeries and preventive procedures, with dedicated medical teams ensuring quality care.
Your specialist will determine whether your procedure can be safely performed in an outpatient setting. Generally, ASCs are appropriate for many orthopedic surgeries, allowing patients to recover comfortably at home.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions about your upcoming procedure or the referral process, our team is here to provide the information you need. Feel free to contact us for any guidance as you take the next step.