Instrument sterilization inside any health care facility is crucial for patient safety. Failing to sterilize properly can lead to serious consequences. In May, Parkwest Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) based in Knoxville, Tennessee, was sued by four patients claiming they contracted an unusual bacteria during knee procedures in 2023. This resulted in multiple emergency room visits and repeat surgeries after their initial surgeries failed to heal, according to Knoxville news … [Read more...]
‘The Technology Needs to Offer a Good User Experience’: Keys to Successful ASC AI Adoption
There’s no denying that artificial intelligence is influencing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) by enhancing efficiency. And leaders are further exploring how AI can streamline tasks while building staff trust in the technology. The ongoing improvement of administrative tasks is important; however, these tools must be user-friendly to gain support. Dr. Greg Horner, a general partner at Seattle-based venture capital firm Untethered Ventures, noted that the number of administrative … [Read more...]
The Business of Pain: Inside ASCs’ Growing Role in Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain procedures are increasingly being performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), offering patients quicker access, lower costs and reduced infection risks compared to traditional hospital settings, especially benefiting older adults on Medicare. However, challenges remain in maintaining effective pain management and navigating regulatory and reimbursement hurdles. “Reimbursement is always a challenge,” Jennifer Hodge, COO of Palmetto Pain Management, told ASC News. “Some … [Read more...]
Nashua ASC Launches Total Joint Surgery Program with Successful First Total Shoulder Replacement
Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Center (NASC) in Nashua, New Hampshire, has expanded its services to include total joint surgery, beginning with its first total shoulder replacement. This successful surgery marks the launch of NASC’s total joint program, which will reportedly grow to include total hip and knee replacements in early 2026. “The motivation to bring total joint surgery to NASC is to provide high-quality, cost-effective outpatient care with a focus on patient safety, comfort and … [Read more...]
ASC Leaders Embracing AI to Enhance Efficiency, Patient Safety
More and more ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are leveraging AI to streamline administrative processes, boost operational efficiency, improve patient care and ensure safety. And that’s a trend likely to pick up in 2026, industry insiders told Ambulatory Surgery Center News. “Baby boomers are reaching their high-demand years for health care needs, joint replacement surgery, orthopedic surgery,” Dr. Alexander van der Ven, head of the joint replacement division at Baptist Health Orthopedic … [Read more...]
Revision Total Joint Replacement Patients Face Fewer Postoperative Complications at ASCs
A study presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) Annual Meeting in late 2025 found that patients undergoing revision of total joint replacement (TJR) may experience fewer postoperative complications when the procedure is performed at a standalone ambulatory surgery center (ASC) rather than in a hospital setting. The AAHKS annual meeting took place Oct. 23-26 in Dallas. Dr. Craig J. Della Valle, endowed professor of orthopedic surgery and chief of adult … [Read more...]
ASC Anesthesia Roundup: Freedom Surgical Partners with Olena Medical; SightMD Taps NAPA for Services
Freedom Surgical partners with Olena Medical Freedom Surgical Center (FSC) has established a collaborative relationship with Olena Medical, a physician-owned provider of anesthesia, pain management and other medical specialties. Olena Medical will provide FSC with comprehensive anesthesia services, including pre-operative evaluation, intra-operative anesthesia care and comprehensive post-operative management. “Our goal is to provide anesthesia care that not only meets technical … [Read more...]
Solara Surgical’s Steve Hockert on ASC Leadership Turnover, Retention and Generational Shifts
Leadership turnover within medical settings has been a hot topic in 2025. Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have faced high turnover this year, driven by such stressors as economic pressures, technological demands and a changing workforce culture. ASC News recently interviewed Steve Hockert, chief development officer at Southlake, Texas-based Solara Surgical, an ASC development and operations management organization, to gain his insights on why this trend has emerged and his … [Read more...]
ASC Leadership Roundup: EyeCare Partners Appoints COO; Surgery Ventures Taps Tavenner as Assistant VP
EyeCare Partners appoints White as COO EyeCare Partners (ECP), a St. Louis-based provider of clinically integrated eye care, has appointed Matthew White as chief operating officer of its ophthalmology business unit. In this role, White will oversee daily operations, strategic planning and fiscal management across ECP’s ophthalmology practices, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and retina services throughout the U.S. White brings experience in scaling physician-led organizations, having … [Read more...]
ASC Dealbook: Surgery Partners Inks JV with Baylor Scott & White Health; AMSURG Buys Advanced Center for Surgery
Surgery Partners secures new JV Surgery Partners Inc. (Nasdaq: SGRY) has inked a new joint venture with Baylor Scott & White Health. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based Surgery Partners is a surgical services business with more than 200 locations across 30 states, including ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Among its other JV partners are OhioHealth, Parkview Health and Vanderbilt Health. Meanwhile, Baylor Scott & White Health is the largest not-for-profit health system in Texas. It serves … [Read more...]