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...]
Top 10 Ambulatory Surgery Center News Stories from 2024
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...]
Vast Majority of Hospitals Plan to Grow Their Ambulatory Surgery Center Portfolios
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...]
ASC Ownership Showdown: Physician, Corporate or Joint Venture
The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) landscape in the United States is made up of several thousand facilities, which can be broadly categorized as physician-owned, corporate-owned, and joint ventures between physicians, health systems and operating partners. Each category carries distinct advantages and disadvantages, making it essential for ASC stakeholders to understand the nuances of each model thoroughly, industry leaders told ASC News. “There are many new and different ASC ownership … [Read more...]
Study: CON Laws Stifle ASC Growth, Raise Health Care Costs and Limit Access
Certificate of need (CON) laws significantly limit the growth of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), increasing health care costs and reducing access to care. That’s according to a recently published study commissioned by conservative think tank The Cato Institute. The research found that repealing ASC-specific CON laws led to a 44% to 47% statewide increase in the number of ASCs per capita. Rural communities saw even more dramatic growth, with ASCs increasing by 92% to 112% per capita, … [Read more...]
CON Laws Present Double-Edged Sword for ASC Operators Balancing Market Control, Expansion
For operators looking to open up a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC), it takes more than just funding, a strategic plan, or even a strong clinical team. In many markets, regulatory stars need to align as well. A certificate of need (CON), for instance, is a regulatory document required in some states before health care facilities, including ASCs, can be constructed, expanded, or significantly altered. For ASC operators, the CON process presents both opportunities and challenges. On one … [Read more...]
From Anesthesia Coverage to Rising Expenses: Industry Leaders Share Thoughts on 2024’s Top ASC Challenges
While every year brings new challenges and opportunities, 2024 has been especially interesting for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and the patients they serve. The narratives shaping this year include the ongoing shift of higher-acuity procedures into the ASC setting and continued workforce challenges, especially around anesthesiology capacity. Storylines defining 2024 also include robust M&A and joint venture activity, including rumors swirling around one of the largest ASC operating … [Read more...]