Why Choose an ASC
The ICASC Advantage Blog provides helpful information about outpatient surgery, patient preparation, recovery, and the benefits of choosing an ambulatory surgical center. Our goal is to keep patients informed, confident, and prepared every step of the way.
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Posted by marianapatientx on Jun 02, 2026 1:27:25 PM
Why Many Patients Choose an ASC Instead of a Hospital
When planning for surgery, one of the most important decisions patients and families face is where that care will be performed. While hospitals are often the first option people think of, many procedures can be safely performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) such as Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center (ICASC).
Posted by sevnpro on Oct 02, 2025 7:45:29 PM
Why Patients Prefer ICASC: Comparing Hospitals and ASCs
Choosing where to have surgery is an important decision. For many patients, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) offers meaningful advantages over a traditional hospital setting. At Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center (ICASC), we provide high-quality surgical care in a setting designed to support comfort, clarity, and peace of mind.
Posted by sevnpro on Sep 15, 2025 6:26:32 PM
Life After Surgery: Patient Stories of Success at ICASC
At Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center (ICASC), every outpatient procedure is part of a bigger story. Whether it's returning to daily routines, easing chronic symptoms, or regaining confidence, our patients' experiences reflect the outcomes and support that define our care. These stories help show why ICASC is a trusted Iowa surgery center for individuals and families throughout the region.
Posted by sevnpro on Jul 24, 2025 1:39:02 PM
Meet Our Experts: What Sets ICASC Providers Apart
At Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center (ICASC), exceptional care starts with an outstanding team. Our expert surgical providers are board-certified, highly experienced, and united by a shared commitment to patient-centered care. Each year, this team performs approximately 7,000 procedures, helping patients across Eastern Iowa access high-quality outpatient surgery close to home.
Posted by sevnpro on Jun 11, 2025 4:08:11 PM
When to Consider Tonsil Removal for Chronic Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects millions of people each year, particularly children and young adults. In fact, an estimated 5.2 million people in the U.S. contract strep throat annually (reported by the CDC). While most cases are easily treated with antibiotics, some individuals experience recurring strep throat infections that disrupt their daily lives. If you or your child suffer from frequent bouts of strep throat, it may be time to consider a long-term solution: tonsillectomy.
Posted by iowacityasc on Apr 14, 2022 1:47:33 PM
How to Take Advantage of Ambulatory Care
Today, there are well over 5000 Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) operating throughout the United States. And the number keeps rising. In large part, that growth is fueled by patient demand. That's because ASCs generally provide an outpatient surgery experience that's faster, friendlier, and more convenient than would be expected from a hospital setting. This means many patients will have a viable and enticing alternative to traditional hospital care. Overall, ambulatory surgery centers can provide significant benefits for patients.
Posted by iowacityasc on Nov 30, 2020 2:27:04 PM
Take The Stress Out Of Surgery
If you need a partial knee replacement, total joint replacement, or other outpatient surgery, the thought of going through the procedure can cause some jitters. Fear of surgery is known as tomophobia. It's normal to feel some stress before surgery, often because you don't know what will happen. Follow these five tips to ease your uncertainty.
Posted by iowacityasc on Nov 30, 2020 11:10:38 AM
Help Others With Your Patient Review
If you've been a patient at Iowa City ASC, thank you for choosing us as your ambulatory surgery center care provider. We want to give our patients exceptional service and hope we achieved that during your stay.
Posted by iowacityasc on Sep 13, 2019 8:42:18 AM
Utilizing ASCs: Choosing Successful Outcomes
Care providers have a lot to keep track of these days. There isn’t enough time in the day to give each patient every ounce of thoughtful attention they deserve, and many days it probably feels like you’re running on empty. The best you can aim to do is provide the best care you can for patients, treat them kindly and with respect, and <em>look for ways to enhance successful outcomes</em>.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 25, 2019 11:54:22 AM
The ASC Advantage; Successful Outcomes And Infection Rates
As a patient, the world of healthcare can be intimidating, and all of your options for care can be overwhelming and a little scary. When faced with multiple options for your care, it’s difficult to know which route to choose. Following your care provider’s recommendations makes the most sense, since they’re the most knowledgeable about your health.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 25, 2019 10:54:31 AM
How To Exercise Your Patient Rights And Engage With Your Healthcare
<h3>Take Charge of Your Healthcare</h3> As we’ve previously discussed in our blogs, exercising your patient rights is an important way to engage in your healthcare. Taking charge of your healthcare helps to ensure you are receiving the best care possible. While this might sound like a good idea to you, if you’re like some patients, you might not be sure how to take charge of your healthcare, though.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 25, 2019 10:44:41 AM
What You Need To Know About Choosing A Care Provider
In our previous blog <a href="/blog/patients-rights-what-you-need-to-know/" rel=" noopener">we discussed patient rights</a>—your right to choose where and from whom you receive care. These rights are vital to receiving the care you need with dignity and respect, and they can help support you in engaging with your healthcare. Exercising your rights as a patient is the best way to engage in your care, and engaging in your care is an excellent way to ensure you stay knowledgeable and make informed decisions about your healthcare.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 25, 2019 7:38:48 AM
Patients’ Rights: What You Need To Know
<strong>Patients’ Rights: What You Need to Know</strong> <span style="background-color: transparent;">In the world of healthcare, there are a lot of rules and regulations. All of the fine print and codes <strong>c</strong></span><strong>an be overwhelming as a patient</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">, and healthcare can be intimidating for many.</span> It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost as a patient, even if you’re in need of care. While it seems as though there are many rules you have to follow as a patient, it should be comforting to know that there are rules your care providers have to follow as well.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 23, 2019 4:37:49 PM
ASCs: A Solution For Successful Outcomes
There are many challenges to face within the world of healthcare, especially if you’re a care provider. Patients are the number one concern, since their well-being is the top priority of healthcare. Placing priority on patients requires astute attention to detail, constant research into new modes of care, and utilizing tools and environments that will be conducive to successful outcomes.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jul 23, 2019 2:44:12 PM
Is An ASC Right For Me?
<p class="Body">Maybe you’ve heard of ambulatory surgical centers before, but even if you have, there’s still a high chance you are unsure whether an ASC is right for you.</p> <p class="Body">For starters, it’s important to know exactly what an ASC is, even if you have some background knowledge. So let's answer the main question: What is an ASC?</p>
Posted by iowacityasc on Apr 04, 2019 2:05:37 PM
Tips For Taking The Stress Out Of Surgery
If you or one of your loved ones has had surgery, you know how stressful it can be. Stress and surgery are not an atypical pairing, and many people deal with anxiety before their procedure. In fact, there’s even a word for the fear patients experience before their surgical procedure: tomophobia. While it’s natural to experience stress and some fear before surgery, receiving the care you need doesn’t have to cause you anxiety. This is certainly more easily said than done, but you can reduce your stress by following the advice of your care provider that will make your surgery experience as comfortable and easy as possible.
Posted by iowacityasc on Jan 18, 2019 3:58:37 PM
What’s An ASC
By now, you’ve likely heard about Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC), but you might be a bit confused on the differences between services provided by an ASC and a regular hospital. For starters, hospitals provide a wide range of care, from everyday checkups to intensive surgeries. Hospitals are also capable of housing patients who require long-term care while they convalesce from cancer treatment or surgeries.
Posted by iowacityasc on Dec 05, 2018 2:21:33 PM
An Affordable Solution: ASCs And The Cost Of Healthcare
In our past blogs, we’ve outlined how Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are an affordable solution in our age of rising costs of healthcare. At Iowa City ASC, we’re proud to offer patients excellent care for their outpatient surgical procedures, while also helping them save money. Our team recognizes the need for affordable and accessible healthcare, and we are continually looking for ways to help make care for our patients cost-effective.
Posted by iowacityasc on Nov 15, 2018 2:30:57 PM
By The Numbers: The Heathcare Savings And Cost-Effectiveness Of ASCs
In our last blog, we outlined the differences between inpatient and outpatient care and why Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are a reasonable choice, and in this blog, we’ll be looking at the cost-effectiveness. Cost-effectiveness is a major pull for many patients who choose to have their procedure done at an ASC, because the savings are often astronomical between a traditional hospital and an ASC.
Posted by iowacityasc on Mar 12, 2018 2:49:13 PM
5 Ways You Can Mentally Prepare Yourself For Surgery
Although it’s necessary in many cases, the process of undergoing surgery can be a frightening thought. Everyone’s reaction will be different when they find out they need a surgical procedure, but thankfully the ways in which you can mentally prepare for surgery work for nearly all individuals. <span style="background-color: transparent;">The team at Iowa City ASC knows that surgery can bring up a lot of unanswered questions, and by far the most essential element to consider is how you are feeling mentally and emotionally during the days leading up to the procedure. Here are 5 ways you can get yourself ready for surgery. </span>
Posted by iowacityasc on Jan 09, 2018 1:56:35 PM
Why An ASC Could Be The Best Options For Your Surgery
Most people will end up having surgery at one point in their lifetime. When you think about having surgery, a hospital probably comes to mind, right? Many patients are surprised to learn that there are other skilled facilities that are dedicated to surgeries only. These facilities are referred to as Ambulatory Surgery Centers or ASCs, and they come with a lot of benefits.
Posted by iowacityasc on Nov 28, 2017 9:01:16 AM
Ambulatory Surgical Centers – A Great Option For Patients
Most people will end up having surgery at one point in their lifetime. When you think about having surgery, a hospital probably comes to mind, right? Many patients are surprised to learn that there are other skilled facilities that are dedicated to surgeries only. These facilities are referred to as ASCs, and they come with a lot of benefits.
Posted by iowacityasc on Aug 18, 2017 4:24:03 PM
Beat The End Of Year Rush For Surgery
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Summer is almost over and you have satisfied your health insurance deductible. You might also have money sitting in your flexible spending account (FSA) that needs to be spent before the end of the year. So now you’re considering scheduling that elective surgery or procedure that you’ve been putting off before your deductible resets for the new year. But if you’re thinking that you can call in October or November and get it scheduled during your winter holiday vacation, you might want to think again because that’s exactly what hundreds, if not thousands of other people think too.</span>
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For general inquiries, business matters, or immediate assistance, you may reach us directly using the contact information below. Iowa City ASC provides surgical services by physician referral.
Email:
nkalkwarf@iowacityasc.comPhone:
(319) 248-1500