Technology

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

In July, reports surfaced that one of the country’s largest ambulatory surgery center (ASC) chains – Surgery Partners (Nasdaq: SGRY) – was exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale. Health care behemoth UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) was identified as one potential buyer. UnitedHealth Group, the parent of Optum, is a major player in the ASC space, having acquired SCA Health in 2017. Strategically, adding to its ASC footprint makes sense for UnitedHeath Group, with company … [Read more...]

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and other health care entities continue to face heightened levels of cyberattacks in 2024. Earlier this month, it was revealed that a Florida surgery center had a data breach affecting more than 48,000 patients. Around the same time, an Idaho-based ASC announced it also had a “data security incident.” These latest ASC cyberattacks came slightly over a month after the Ambulatory Surgery Center of Westchester had a data security incident of its … [Read more...]

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights reported 725 significant digital security breaches in health care, surpassing the previous year's 720 breaches. If numbers from the last eight years are any indication, this trend will likely continue. From 2021 to 2022, cyberattacks among ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) alone rose 31% to a total of 235, according to a report from Critical Insight. In June 2024, the Ambulatory Surgery Center of … [Read more...]