Ophthalmology is a growing specialty in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) space. In part, that growth is fueled by operators using advanced technology that increases patient satisfaction and generates more demand. Rising case rates and ownership opportunities for younger physicians are also giving ophthalmology momentum in the ASC industry. Ophthalmology is so hot, in fact, there may be a looming supply-demand imbalance for ASCs to contend with down the line. “In ophthalmology, I … [Read more...]

You can often take the pulse of any industry by analyzing the words of its leaders. And while there were plenty of interesting quotes from ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leaders in our reporting this year, a few stood out for their thoughtfulness, candor and relevance. From pricing transparency and strategic partnerships, to navigating compliance and the growing shift towards high-acuity procedures, these quotes capture the essence of the challenges and opportunities facing ASCs … [Read more...]

The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) landscape continues to evolve with different ownership and management models, one being the ASC and office-based lab (OBL) hybrid, in which operators combine the services of both facilities under the same roof.  This model is particularly popular in cardiology, William Hoffman, a shareholder at the law firm Polsinelli, told ASC News. But the hybrid approach also works in other specialties, including ophthalmology, according to Joseph D’Agostino, ASC … [Read more...]

In 2002, the late Katy Chiang saw that New York needed a surgery center, and decided to take matters into her own hands. The wife of a podiatrist and a health system manager, she knew how such an organization should run, too.  In founding Gramercy Surgery Center, Chiang became the first woman, and non-physician, to wholly own an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in the state. Today, Gramercy operates multi-specialty ASCs in Manhattan and Queens, with another opening on Staten Island in … [Read more...]

In the face of unprecedented national emergencies, such as hurricanes or pandemics, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have increasingly demonstrated their potential to serve as vital lifelines.  The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how crucial ASCs could be, stepping in to relieve overburdened hospitals and providing a safe space for essential procedures. With both natural disasters and health crises becoming more frequent, ASC operators and policymakers are re-evaluating how these centers can … [Read more...]

As cyberattacks become more frequent and the pace of regulatory change accelerates, investing in strong compliance programs is critical for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). But that’s easier said than done. ASCs are often forced to do more with less, as reimbursement cuts, wage increases, inflation and other financial pressures strain surgery centers’ bottom lines. This dilemma – investing in compliance when financial resources are scarce – is a commonality that many health care … [Read more...]

Health care facilities in some of the nation’s largest markets have had to power through multiple natural disasters over the last couple months, including tropical storms, hurricanes and wildfires. Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is no exception. But considering recent events, the company has been “fortunate” in its ability to plan and recover, executives said during a 2024 third-quarter earnings call Tuesday. Despite weather-related setbacks, the Dallas-based Tenet still had a … [Read more...]

For ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), the No. 1 focus is typically outcomes and delivering high-quality care. Following closely behind that: profitability. A recently released report from ASC software company HST Pathways offers new insights into that secondary focus, with exclusive data on key financial and performance trends such as average net revenue per case and operating room (OR) turnover time per speciality. “Before proceeding with any case, surgery center administrators must … [Read more...]

The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry is at a crossroads. As consolidation increases, many ASC operators are faced with the decision to either maintain their independence, or partner with larger health systems and corporate entities.  The development of the industry dates back to the 1960s, when small practices and individual ASCs began to emerge to cater to specific outpatient surgical needs. During this time, many ASCs were started by physicians seeking more control over their … [Read more...]

Hurricane Helene flooded a factory that produced 60% of the intravenous (IV) solutions used in the United States, causing a dramatic shortage.  The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is now calling on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to declare a shortage of sterile IV solutions to allow waivers to permit certain flexibilities not otherwise available to health care providers. Baxter International, the company that operates the Marion, North Carolina-based … [Read more...]