State Board Approves Ames Outpatient Surgery Center

AMES, IA – Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic on Wednesday, May 18, received approval from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the development of an outpatient ambulatory surgery center in Ames.

This is an important step in the development of the project, which still needs approval of both organizations’ boards. The proposed project, which will be called the Ames Surgery Center (ASC), was presented as part of a regulatory review process called Certificate of Need. The project was reviewed by IDPH staff and the State Health Facilities Council using criteria specified by law.

“The Ames Surgery Center will provide many benefits to the residents of the communities we serve, and this decision allows us to continue developing the project,” said Brian Dieter, President and CEO of Mary Greeley. “We appreciate the opportunity to present to IDPH and the State Health Facilities Council and are pleased that they recognized the value of the project.”

Endoscopies and surgical procedures will be performed at the ASC by physicians who specialize in ENT, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, podiatry, and urology. Patients who have procedures in an outpatient surgery center go home the same day of the surgery and can be kept up to 23 hours if necessary.

“Having a procedure in an outpatient surgical center provides the same quality care and is often less expensive for patients and more appealing for patients, business, and various insurance payers,” said Andrew Perry, CEO of McFarland Clinic. “We expect the ASC will help in retention and future recruitment of surgeons.” 

The free-standing facility will be a joint venture between Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic physicians and is anticipated to open in late 2024. The governing boards of the two healthcare organizations will review and approve final site location, building plans, and project cost before granting final approval for the project.

Contacts:

Steve Sullivan, Mary Greeley Medical Center
Phone: 515-239-2129 ● Email: sullivans@mgmc.com

Shelley Goecke, McFarland Clinic
Phone: 515-239-4403 ● Email: sgoecke@mcfarlandclinic.com

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