Many interventional radiology services, such as those performed at National Vascular Physicians‘ three outpatient locations, are also performed at local hospitals. That being the case, why would a patient choose to have their procedure at our outpatient center instead of the hospital?

First, it’s important to note that some interventional radiology procedures should be performed in a hospital. Hospitals are the best places to provide acute care for a patient who, for example, had a stroke. It’s best practice to treat this patient at the hospital, where emergency medicine services, surgeons and other professionals are on staff and on-site if there are complications.

However, most IR procedures, including embolizations and cancer treatment, may be performed in either a hospital or outpatient setting. Our NVP outpatient centers are also known as “office-based labs” or OBLs, and they include state-of-the-art patient monitoring equipment, as well as highly trained doctors and nurses, just like at a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. But OBLs also offer many distinct advantages to patients who choose to have their procedures here.

Greater convenience

OBLs are smaller than hospitals and far less expensive to build. Chances are good that one of our OBLs is located closer to you than a regional hospital. Also, hospitals have multiple buildings, expensive parking and long, sometimes confusing corridors. When you enter our OBL, you’re already exactly where you need to be.

Shorter wait times

Unlike a busy hospital, where very sick patients take priority, your appointment time at our OBL for your procedure is our priority. We take great care in scheduling patients so that your waiting time is minimal, and there is less exposure to patients who might have an infectious disease.

Patient-focused service

From the time you enter to the time you leave our outpatient center, YOU are the priority. The doctors, nurses and support staff are all present to deliver the care you need in a timely manner. We pride ourselves on delivering the “personal touches” that are very rare in healthcare today.

Lower overall cost

Procedures performed in an OBL are, on average, less expensive than those performed at a hospital. Considering the high deductibles and co-pays required by many insurance plans, this can save you a considerable amount of money when you choose to have your procedure in our OBL versus at the hospital.

If you’re considering a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure, we invite you to learn more about National Vascular Physicians and our outpatient OBL. When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll show you exactly where your procedure will be performed, share exactly what you can expect during and after your treatment, and answer any questions you may have.