The way gastroenterologists deliver care is changing—and fast. While Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) have long been the go-to for outpatient endoscopy, a growing body of evidence suggests that office-based endoscopy isn’t just a viable alternative—in some cases, it may actually be the better option.
A recent article published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology makes a strong case for this shift. Based in part on real-world data provided by Ambulatory Anesthesia Care, the article – which was authored by Lawrence R. Kosinski, MD, MBA; Dan Neumann, MD; Lili Brillstein; and AAC CEO Scott Mayer – offers a clear, data-driven look at how office-based procedures stack up against those performed in ASCs.
Here’s what you need to know.
More Control, Less Complexity
The article examined a variety of different metrics, including safety, revenue, and financial savings to better understand the comparison between office-based and ASC-based endoscopy. One of the biggest advantages of office-based endoscopy highlighted was autonomy. When procedures are done in an office setting, physicians aren’t beholden to ASC management, outside investors, or hospital systems. For physicians, that means:
- You control the schedule.
- You set the clinical protocols.
- You make the financial and operational decisions.
This level of independence allows gastroenterologists to align their work with their own clinical judgment and patient needs—without navigating competing priorities or administrative red tape. It’s a return to practicing medicine on your own terms.
Efficiency That Makes a Difference
Time is one of the most valuable resources in any medical practice. Office-based endoscopy helps physicians make the most of it.
Because procedures are co-located with clinic operations, there’s no time lost to travel, coordination, or waiting on ASC availability. The result? Practices have reported a 30% increase in procedural efficiency. That’s more cases per day, smoother workflows, and better use of staff and resources.
Safety and Quality You Can Trust
Understandably, safety is a top concern when considering any shift in care delivery. But the data is reassuring—and compelling.
Using accreditation with the same agencies that oversee ASCs and adhering to defined quality metrics, office-based endoscopy meets the same or better standards as ASCs. As outlined in the paper, the numbers speak for themselves:
- Hospital transfers per 10,000 procedures:
- Office: 2.74
- ASC: 8.07
- Patient falls
- Office: 1.35
- ASC: 1.38
These metrics show that office-based endoscopy is not only safe—it may actually be safer in some respects.
Patients notice the difference, too. Satisfaction scores, including Net Promoter Scores, are consistently higher in office settings.
Office-Based Endoscopies Are Financially Sound
The article also outlines how office-based endoscopy can make financial sense. Even with no facility fee, lower overhead can maintain healthy margins. This is especially true in states where commercial payers are financially incentivizing the shift. As the trend to value-based care continues, it’s likely to become even more pronounced as more payers get onboard.
The Bottom Line
The data confirms what many in the field have long believed: office-based endoscopy is better for both patients and providers. It offers more control, greater efficiency, and excellent safety outcomes—all while supporting sustainable growth.
“We’re excited to see the advantages of office-based endoscopy validated with real-world data,” said Scott Mayer, CEO of Ambulatory Anesthesia Care. “This model offers clear benefits for patients, providers, and payers alike—and we truly believe it represents the future of GI care.”
“Gastroenterologists have to maintain a “pivotable position” in the strategic management of their practices,” said Dr. Kosinski. “For many of you, a shift to office endoscopy can represent a financially favorable position.”
Want to dive deeper? You can read the full article at Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. And if you’re ready to explore how this model could work for your practice, get in touch with us!