Outpatient surgery is now the standard in 2026, giving patients safer procedures, faster recovery, and lower costs without a hospital stay.

Quick Summary

• Outpatient surgical suites are handling more procedures safely and efficiently than ever, with many patients going home the same day. 
• National data shows ASCs can deliver major cost savings compared to hospital settings for common procedures. 
• Technology (including robotic-assisted systems) is expanding what can be done in a same-day setting. 
• In Granite Falls, NC, Prime Surgical Suites is built specifically for outpatient orthopedic and digestive health procedures with a patient-focused experience.

Over the last decade, outpatient surgical care has gone from “nice option” to the expected choice for many procedures. Patients are choosing outpatient surgical suites because they are designed for smoother scheduling, calmer recovery, and modern surgical tools without the feel (or waiting) that can come with a large hospital setting.

In 2026, more people than ever are opting for same-day surgery thanks to innovation, strong safety standards, and a better overall experience.

Why are patients moving away from traditional hospital surgery? The answer: faster recovery, personalized care, and advanced technology, all available in outpatient settings like Prime Surgical Suites in Granite Falls, NC. 

Outpatient Surgical Centers Are Becoming the Preferred Choice

Outpatient centers are not “small” anymore. They are a major part of modern surgical care, especially for planned procedures.

A few numbers show how much this has grown:

• More than 6,100 Medicare-certified ASCs operate across the U.S. 
• About 22.5 million procedures are performed in Medicare-certified ASCs each year. 
• Medicare saves billions annually through ASC use (ASCA cites $4.2B in annual savings). 

Explore more national data on how Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) deliver cost-effective care that saves the third-party payers and patients money.

Patients often like outpatient surgery for practical reasons:

• A more streamlined check-in and discharge process
• A setting designed around planned procedures (not emergencies happening down the hall)
• The ability to return home the same day when appropriate

At Prime Surgical Suites, the model is built around outpatient care from day one—not adapted from an inpatient hospital floor. You can learn more about what that experience looks like by taking a closer look at our facility.

Advanced Technology Makes Outpatient Surgery Safer Than Ever

One reason outpatient care has expanded so quickly is simple: the tools have changed.

Today, many outpatient surgical suites use technology that helps surgeons plan more precisely and operate with more control, often supporting smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding tissue, and a smoother recovery process (depending on the procedure).

At Prime, technology is a major focus. On the Our Technology page, you can see examples like robotics-assisted systems used for knee replacement planning and execution, including CT-free planning approaches that may reduce extra imaging in some cases. 

This matters because patients want two things at once:

• Confidence in the procedure
• A recovery plan that gets them back to real life sooner

If you are comparing options for outpatient surgery in Granite Falls, NC, it is worth asking what technology is used for your specific procedure and how that changes planning, precision, and recovery expectations.

Patients Appreciate Personalized, One-on-One Care

Hospitals do important work, but they are built to handle everything such as trauma, emergencies, complex inpatient care, and high patient volume. That can sometimes mean:

• More waiting
• More handoffs between teams
• Less consistency in who you see throughout the day

Outpatient surgical suites are different by design. They are focused on planned procedures, smaller teams, and a smoother flow.

We describe our approach as patient-centric from the moment you arrive, with an emphasis on helping patients and families feel at ease. (If you want a feel for our environment, start with our facility.) 

And because Prime is a joint venture between UNC Health Caldwell and experienced physicians, the facility supports specialists who perform outpatient orthopedic surgery and digestive health procedures in this setting. 

To learn more about the specialists who operate here, you can meet the surgeons who practice at Prime. 

Recovery Is Faster and More Comfortable at Home

One of the biggest reasons patients choose a same-day surgery center in NC is the recovery experience.

For many outpatient procedures, the goal is:

• Private recovery monitoring right after surgery
• Discharge once safe criteria are met
• Rest and recovery at home, in familiar surroundings

Prime provides patient guidance for the entire timeline, including Before Surgery planning and After Surgery instructions. 

For broader recovery guidance, the American College of Surgeons also offers practical patient resources on safe home recovery routines (mobility, wound care basics, and what to monitor). 

A helpful tip for patients and families: plan your first 24 hours at home before surgery day arrives. That includes transportation, prescriptions, meals, and who will stay with you so you are not figuring it out while you are tired.

Why Outpatient Surgery Is Now the Standard in 2026

This shift is being driven by what patients, payers, and providers all want more of: quality care, efficient experiences, and realistic costs.

Here are a few widely cited cost findings:

• UnitedHealth Group notes that for the same procedure, costs can be about 30% lower in a hospital outpatient department and about 40% lower in a freestanding ASC compared to a hospital setting. 
• A UnitedHealth Group research brief found that shifting common outpatient procedures to ASCs could reduce spending substantially and save consumers hundreds per procedure on average. 
• ASCA also summarizes large-scale annual savings tied to ASC utilization for commercially insured patients and employers.

That does not mean outpatient care is “right for everyone.” Some patients need hospital-level resources, monitoring, or complex care coordination. The real win in 2026 is that more people have a clear choice and more procedures can be done safely in an outpatient environment when appropriate.

If you want to see what procedures Prime supports in this setting, start with outpatient specialties. 

FAQs: Outpatient Surgical Care in 2026

Is outpatient surgery just as safe as hospital surgery?

For many planned procedures and appropriately selected patients, outpatient surgery can be a safe option. ASCs operate under defined standards and are designed specifically for same-day procedures. (Your surgeon is the best source for what is appropriate for your case.)

What types of procedures are commonly done at outpatient surgical suites?

Orthopedic procedures (including joint, sports medicine, and certain spine-related surgeries), GI procedures like colonoscopies/endoscopies, and other minimally invasive operations are commonly performed in outpatient settings. 

Why do patients prefer outpatient surgery?

Many patients value:

• Smaller, more consistent care teams
• A smoother day-of-surgery flow
• Modern technology
• The ability to go home the same day (when appropriate)

Outpatient Care Is Redefining the Surgical Experience

Outpatient surgery is no longer the “alternative.” In 2026, it is becoming the standard for many procedures because the patient experience, technology, and cost structure all support it.

If you are exploring outpatient surgery in Granite Falls, NC (or if you are a provider looking for a local option for your patients), Prime Surgical Suites is built specifically for same-day surgical care. Start by referring a physician or contact Prime Surgical Suites to learn more about scheduling, procedure fit, and what to expect.