Medicare.gov

Ambulatory surgical centers

Ambulatory surgical centers are outpatient facilities that perform surgical procedures. In most cases, patients at ambulatory surgical centers are released within 24 hours. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers facility service fees related to approved surgical procedures you get in these centers.

Your costs in Original Medicare

Medicare covers the facility service fees related to approved surgical procedures you get in an ambulatory surgical center. After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount to both the ambulatory surgical center and the doctor(s) who treat you. You pay nothing for certain preventive services (like a screening colonoscopy) if your doctor or other health care provider accepts assignment. However, you may have to pay other costs associated with the preventive services. For example, if your doctor removes a polyp during a screening colonoscopy, you may have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. You also pay all facility service fees for non-covered procedures you get in ambulatory surgical centers.

Visit Medicare.gov/procedure-price-lookup to get cost estimates for ambulatory surgical center outpatient procedures.

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

Related resources