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...]
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...]
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...]
‘The Current Policy Is Unfair’: Medicare Copay Fairness Act Gains Additional Support
The Medicare Beneficiary Copay Fairness Act is gaining momentum. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) has joined as one of the newest cosponsors of the Act. The bipartisan bill was introduced on April 24 and addresses a Medicare payment rule for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), where Medicare Part B beneficiaries pay a standard 20% coinsurance for procedures at both ASCs and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). However, only HOPD copays are limited by the inpatient deductible, which is … [Read more...]
‘Be Comfortable with Being Adaptable’: ASC Leaders React to 2026 Payment Rule
In what can be seen as a victory for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Nov. 21 finalized its proposal to phase out Medicare’s inpatient-only list and open the door for which procedures can be covered in the ASC. In addition to those moves, ASCs will see an average update of 2.6%, which includes a 3.3% inflation adjustment and a 0.7 percentage-point productivity adjustment. The ASC community has been advocating for years to … [Read more...]
Holista’s Expanded Partnership Highlights the Benefits of Bundled Payment Models for ASCs
Holista is expanding its partnership with Oakleaf Medical Network and Cedarcrest Surgery Center. The move will go a long way toward enhancing patients' access to affordable surgical care in Western Wisconsin, according to executives from the organizations. The expanded agreement strengthens the existing partnership between Oakleaf Medical Network’s physician expertise and Cedarcrest Surgery Center’s ambulatory surgical facility in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. This expansion includes more … [Read more...]
ASC Expansion Accelerates as Robotics, AI and Reimbursement Shifts Reshape Outpatient Care
ASC News previously reported on Colliers’ research regarding the expansion of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and the projected increase in outpatient services over the next decade. We recently had the chance to talk with Marianne Skorupski, director of the national office of research, and Shawn Janus, the national health care services director, to delve deeper into the report and examine its findings. The conversation below has been edited for length and clarity. ASC News: How do … [Read more...]