Reimagining Recovery: How Extended Ambulatory Models and Patient Hotels are Changing the Outpatient Surgical Paradigm

Ambulatory extended recovery facilities, designed for 1-night stays, provide an alternative care setting for more complex patients and procedures than those treated in same-day surgery centers. Central to these programs are structured extended recovery after surgery pathways to promote rapid and safe recovery. Key considerations include patient and procedure selection, expanded on-site resources, emergency preparedness, quality monitoring and improvement, and adherence to state and federal regulatory requirements. The patient hotel model is another emerging alternative, fostering patient independence during recovery. Looking ahead, integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence into pathways can potentially expand and optimize these innovative care models.