VCU Health System opens its first ambulatory surgery center
The Short Pump location offers same-day surgical services that do not require an overnight hospital stay.
May 20, 2022
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By Laura Rossacher
A new ambulatory surgery center, the first one for VCU Health System, offers outpatient surgical services that allow patients to safely and comfortably recover from surgery in their own homes. The VCU Health Ambulatory Surgery Center is currently open to existing VCU Health patients, who have been referred by their provider. Fueling economic growth, the Short Pump expansion resulted in 50 new jobs in the area.
The center offers outpatient surgical services that don't require an overnight stay in a hospital. Orthopedics, urology, plastics, gynecology, surgical oncology, colon and rectal, as well as ear, nose and throat are some of the specialties represented at the center. Patients benefit from the latest techniques, including minimally invasive, diagnostic and preventative procedures.
Total joint and minor spine surgeries may be added in the future. Pediatric services are starting this spring.
VCU Health’s ambulatory surgery center is the first center of its kind in Central Virginia that wholly owned by a not-for-profit, academic health system.
“At VCU Health, delivery of patient-centered care is at the heart of everything we do,” said Art Kellermann, M.D., senior vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health System. “We also champion high-value innovation and service to the community. Our new ambulatory surgery center at VCU Short Pump combines all three values. This state-of-the-art facility is thoughtfully designed with each patient’s needs in mind, is easy for families to access, and will allow more people to benefit from VCU Health’s world-class surgeons and anesthesia providers.”
Since its opening in December 2021, patients have been able to receive outpatient surgery services at the new Short Pump location in addition to the existing Ambulatory Surgery Center at VCU Health’s downtown campus. “With six new operating rooms, we are expanding access to high-quality care outside the traditional hospital setting for about 100 to 125 patients a week,” said Susan Torti, vice president for perioperative services at VCU Health. “Half of all surgeries in the country are already done on an outpatient basis, thanks to advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia and pain management.”
The ambulatory surgery center accepts most insurances.
