Community Health Systems Inc. (NYSE: CYH) is continuing to build out its ambulatory surgery center (ASC) footprint, opening new facilities and adding ownership stakes in existing centers as it pushes further into outpatient care.
The Franklin, Tennessee-based Community Health Systems announced April 20 that its subsidiaries have opened de novo ASCs in Birmingham and Foley, Alabama, and acquired a majority ownership interest in South Anchorage Surgery Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Those moves brought Community Health Systems’ affiliated ASC total to 36 in the first part of 2026.
That count is expected to increase again soon.
A company subsidiary has signed definitive agreements to acquire a majority ownership interest in Surgical Clinic Solutions LLC, doing business as Surgical Institute of Alabama, in Vestavia, Alabama. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, subject to customary conditions. Terms were not disclosed.
The Alabama target is a significant asset. Surgical Institute of Alabama performs more than 8,000 cases annually and, according to Community Health Systems, is the state’s largest multi-specialty surgery center.
The freestanding facility has six operating rooms, two procedure rooms, nine pre-op beds and nine post-acute beds. Physicians there perform neurospine, orthospine, orthopedic, total joint reconstruction, general surgery, urology and pain management procedures.
“Our targeted investments in ambulatory surgery centers extend our ability to provide care in the most advantageous way for our patients,” CEO Kevin Hammons said in a statement.
Once the Surgical Institute of Alabama transaction closes, Community Health Systems affiliate Grandview Health in the Birmingham market will have four ASCs. That portfolio includes Birmingham Musculoskeletal Institute at Grandview Health, which opened in April, along with Grandview Urology Surgery Center and Grandview Endoscopy Center on the campus of Grandview Medical Center.
In south Alabama, Community Health Systems affiliate Baldwin Health opened Specialty Surgery Center in Foley in February. The center offers orthopedic, gastroenterological, pain management and colonoscopy procedures.
The company tied that opening to a broader expansion in the market, noting Baldwin Health recently completed a $154 million hospital expansion project.
Community Health Systems’ Alaska acquisition closed effective April 1. South Anchorage Surgery Center specializes in gastrointestinal and interventional pain procedures and adds surgical capacity tied to Community Health Systems affiliate Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska.
Community Health Systems operates 64 affiliated hospitals across 13 states and more than 900 care sites overall, including ASCs, physician practices, urgent care centers and imaging centers.
“By offering additional services through these outpatient settings, we are driving growth for our health systems, delivering quality care and excellent outcomes, and optimizing the surgical experience for both our physician partners and their patients,” Hammons continued.
The company reports its Q1 2026 financial results on April 22.
