Operations

From standalone centers to hybrid models, patient-centered design, and the integration of new technology, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) design is transforming the way health care is delivered.  Ambulatory Surgery Center News connected with Camilla Moretti, principal at architecture firm HKS, which has designed over 5,800 large-scale health care projects across the globe, to talk about the forces shaping the future of ASC design and how operators can plan for scalability and … [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...]

As a new year begins, leaders within the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) sector are bullish on growth and focused on the innovations needed to meet rising demand. The needs and expectations of payers and patients are shaping the strategies that executives are pursuing, with the shift to more value-based reimbursement models and the aging population being major tailwinds propelling ASC growth. But headwinds also are blowing, including challenges in attracting and retaining staff, … [Read more...]

As ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to adapt to industry trends, their designs will likely become even more patient-focused, efficient and technologically advanced.  “The key is balancing the needs of patients, families and medical staff,” Jeffrey Brand, executive director at global architecture and design firm Perkins Eastman, told ASC News. “When all three groups are considered, ASCs can deliver exceptional care and experiences.” For ASC operators, staying informed about these … [Read more...]

Accreditation is often viewed as a regulatory necessity, but for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators, it can also serve as a powerful marketing tool..  “It’s kind of like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” according to Laurie Roderiques, RN, director of clinical services for Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. “That can possibly put you a leg up on someone else.” Roderiques spoke at the recent virtual conference hosted by John Goehle.  The primary accrediting organizations for … [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...]

As ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) face challenges like supply-chain disruptions and payer negotiations, strategic partnerships are becoming more necessary for long-term success.  From collaborating with hospital systems to leveraging industry innovations and payer savings programs, ASC leaders shared their thoughts on building relationships that drive efficiency and improve patient care during a recent panel discussion at an industry conference. “For us, our valuable partners are 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...]

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...]