Learning Center for Patients

Helping you make informed decisions about office-based surgery. Whether your procedure is performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, understanding your facility, healthcare team, and safety standards can help you feel more confident and prepared.

What is Office-Based Surgery?

Surgery performed in a physician’s office is an alternative to procedures performed in hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers. Millions of outpatient procedures are performed safely every year by specialists including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, gynecologists, podiatrists, otolaryngologists, interventional radiologists, cardiovascular specialists, and many others.

Anesthesia Options

Depending on your procedure, anesthesia may include:

  • Local anesthesia
  • Moderate (“conscious”) sedation
  • Regional anesthesia (nerve block)
  • General anesthesia

Questions Every Patient Should Ask

Before undergoing office-based surgery, patients should understand both the qualifications of their healthcare providers and the safety standards of the facility where their procedure will be performed.

Your Surgeon

  • Is your surgeon board certified?
  • Are they qualified to perform your procedure?
  • Do they have hospital privileges for similar procedures?
  • Can you review their safety record?

Your Anesthesia Provider

  • Who will administer your anesthesia?
  • What qualifications do they have?
  • Which anesthesia options are available?
  • Which option is safest for you?

Facility Safety & Accreditation

The safety of office-based surgery performed in accredited facilities is well established. Patients should ensure that the office complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and maintains appropriate accreditation.

Major accrediting organizations include:

  • AAAASF – American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities
  • AAAHC – Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care
  • The Joint Commission (TJC)

Patient Education Resources

ISOBS is committed to increasing public awareness of patient safety in office-based surgery. Explore the following educational resources and interviews to learn more.

Interview with ISOBS Leadership: Patients Learning How to Heal Themselves

Interview with ISOBS from The Arizona Republic: What Patients Need to Know

What You Need to Know Before Undergoing Office-Based Surgery