Robert Holly

One of the most significant, sector-shaping trends in health care is the migration of care out of the traditional hospital and into lower-cost outpatient settings. Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) market growth reflects this idea. In light of this overarching theme of care shifting into non-traditional settings, the ASC industry has entered into a period of rapid change and fast-paced growth that’s certain to extend into 2025. More private equity investors will turn their attention to … [Read more...]

As the health care landscape continues to evolve, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From shifting reimbursement models to advances in surgical technology, ASCs must navigate a dynamic environment to remain competitive, efficient and patient-focused. To explore these and other topics, Ambulatory Surgery Center News is officially launching our 2025 industry outlook survey. This survey – live through Jan. 31, 2025 – aims to uncover key … [Read more...]

Last year was a pivotal year for the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry, marked by transformative trends, groundbreaking innovations and high-stakes decisions that reshaped the landscape. It was also an exciting year for us at Ambulatory Surgery Center News, as we launched in the summer of 2024 with a mission to deliver in-depth reporting and actionable insights tailored to ASC operators, investors, payers, clinicians and other stakeholders. Since our debut, we've brought you stories … [Read more...]

One of the newer publicly traded health care companies in the U.S., Ardent Health (NYSE: ARDT), is ramping up its ambulatory care M&A activity. The Brentwood, Tennessee-based Ardent announced Friday the acquisition of 18 urgent care clinics across New Mexico and Oklahoma from NextCare Urgent Care. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “Expanding our urgent care footprint represents significant progress in our mission to create a consumer-focused ecosystem of care in … [Read more...]

Getting surgical technology and equipment ready – and in the hands of surgeons at the right time – is essential to running an efficient operating room. But there’s a big problem: There’s a dire shortage of trained professionals who know how to perform such tasks in concert with surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses. A new initiative out of Oregon wants to help mitigate that challenge. Umpqua Community College (UCC) and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) announced … [Read more...]

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield wanted to cap anesthesia coverage after a certain point, meaning such services after a set threshold would not be reimbursed. That plan saw major blowback, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists in November calling for an immediate reversal. “Payment for anesthesia services is based on several factors, including the exact amount of time for anesthesiologists to deliver care preoperatively, during the operation, and when transitioning the patient to the … [Read more...]

Orthopedic Care Partners (OCP) has a new top executive – and some added financial firepower for him to work with. The Gainesville, Florida-based orthopedic practice management platform announced Thursday that Dr. Tim Corvino is taking the helm as CEO. Corvino is the former CEO of Spire Orthopedic Partners. The same day, OCP announced a growth recapitalization transaction, inclusive of a $185 million hybrid capital raise provided by Brookfield Asset Management through its Brookfield Special … [Read more...]

There’s a new anesthesia practice for one of health care’s largest markets – and it has its sights set on ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Mount Sinai and U.S. Anesthesia Partners Inc. on Thursday announced the formation of the new venture, officially branded as Greater New York Anesthesia Services (GNYAS). Moving forward, GNYAS will serve ASCs as well as “select Mount Sinai hospitals in conjunction with the Mount Sinai Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine,” the … [Read more...]

Hospital ambulatory surgery center (ASC) investment activity is surging. That’s according to the soon-to-be-released Annual Hospital Leadership ASC Survey from Avanza Healthcare Strategies. HST Pathways previewed some of the major takeaways from the report in a LinkedIn post on Dec. 4. HST Pathways is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company that provides software and data services for the ASC market. On its end, Avanza Healthcare Strategies provides consulting services to hospitals, ASCs and … [Read more...]

After a somewhat disappointing rulemaking cycle for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) this year, 2025’s discussions with federal regulators will become all the more important. And a return to a Trump administration means ASC stakeholders will need to start those conversations sooner rather than later. “We're really going to get on the ball very early in the year in 2025,” Kara Newbury, chief advocacy officer for Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA), said during a recent podcast … [Read more...]