The migration of surgical procedures from hospitals to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continues to accelerate, driven by technological advancements, evolving reimbursement models and patient demand for cost-effective, convenient care. A recent analysis by Definitive Healthcare highlights the top 10 service lines experiencing the most significant shifts from hospitals to ASCs between 2016 and 2024. Orthopedic procedures, particularly joint replacements, are among the procedures leading … [Read more...]
CMS Innovation Strategy Teases Focus on Outpatient Care – And Potential Opportunities for ASCs
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and its Innovation Center are doubling down on preventive care while striving to shift care away from the traditional acute care hospital. For ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), that could mean – at least in theory – more opportunities to participate in innovative payment models in the not-too-distant future. On May 13, CMS and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) unveiled their “Making America Healthy Again” … [Read more...]
CEO Changes at UnitedHealth Group, Optum Could Have ASC Industry Ripple Effects
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is one of the largest and most influential entities within the U.S. health care system, with its reach touching the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) space as well. And it’s currently in the midst of a leadership identity crisis. On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group revealed that Andrew Witty was stepping down from the CEO role, effective immediately. The abrupt change at the top of America’s health care titan is due to “personal reasons,” UnitedHealth Group noted in … [Read more...]
Cleveland Clinic, Regent Surgical Strike ASC Joint Venture Agreement
Cleveland Clinic – a health system known for being a pioneer in heart surgery and innovations in minimally invasive procedures – is teaming up with ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operator Regent Surgical. On May 7, Cleveland Clinic and Regent announced the pair are partnering to enhance access to surgical care for patients in the health system’s U.S. markets. The partnership will focus on developing ASCs while streamlining Cleveland Clinic’s outpatient care delivery … [Read more...]
The 2025 Future Leaders Awards: Nominate Your ASC’s Rising Star
The future of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) depends on bold, innovative leadership. As ASCs redefine outpatient care, the next generation of trailblazers is already making an impact. The most forward-thinking organizations are identifying and empowering these rising stars to drive efficiency, quality and growth. Nominate your next generation of leaders for the 2025 Future Leaders Awards, where we celebrate the visionaries shaping the future of same-day surgery. Who Is the Ideal Future … [Read more...]
AMSURG Acquires Pinnacle Surgery Center
AMSURG has acquired Pinnacle Surgery Center, expanding its footprint in the Louisiana market. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is the latest deal for the Nashville, Tennessee-based AMSURG, the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) management company with a network of more than 250 centers across the U.S. Prior to Pinnacle, AMSURG’s recent deals included its moves to acquire an ownership interest in Texarkana Surgery Center at the start of 2025 and its purchase of … [Read more...]
ASC Executives Divided on Payer Outlook for 2025
Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry insiders are mixed when it comes to the 2025 reimbursement landscape. ASCs typically receive reimbursement from a mix of public and private payers. Payer sources include fee-for-service Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA), for instance, but also commercial insurance, Medicaid and self-pay. This payer landscape has been steadily evolving in recent years, both in terms of volume and rate dynamics. The U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid … [Read more...]
From Budget Bleed to Burnout: The Top ASC Challenges Defining 2025
Rising operational costs and staffing constraints are two of the most pressing challenges for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in 2025, new survey findings from Ambulatory Surgery Center News suggest. Other pain points include anesthesiology, reimbursement rates and market consolidation, according to the survey. To better understand current trends and challenges in the ASC space, ASC News conducted a survey of professionals across a range of roles in the industry at the beginning of 2025. … [Read more...]
The States, Cities with the Most High-Performing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
There are thousands of high-performing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) operating across the United States. But some cities and states have far more high-performing ASCs than others, a new industry ranking from U.S. News & World Report suggests. U.S. News & World Report released its Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers ratings for 2025 on Tuesday. To compile its list of top ASCs, the organization evaluated 4,357 surgery centers in four specialty areas: colonoscopy and endoscopy, … [Read more...]
When It Comes to Site-Neutral Payments, ASCs Could Become Important ‘Solution to the Problem’
For years, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have operated at a reimbursement disadvantage compared to hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and other – often costlier – health care settings. Yet a growing push for site-neutral payments could soon level the playing field, potentially reshaping the financial landscape for ASCs, hospitals and payers alike. And Brentwood, Tennessee-based Surgery Partners (Nasdaq: SGRY) is embracing the movement wholeheartedly, according to CEO Eric … [Read more...]