The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry enters 2026 with undeniable momentum – and a growing sense that the “easy” part of the outpatient shift is over. More procedures are moving out of hospitals, yes. And it’s true that payers, employers and patients all continue to favor lower-cost (and more convenient) sites of care. What’s more, regulators are expanding what ASCs can do, and investors still view the sector as one of health care’s few durable growth stories. But the operating … [Read more...]
Every Step Matters: Redesigning the ASC Patient Journey from Scheduling to Discharge
When patients walk into an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), they aren’t just seeking clinical care. They’re looking for a sense of comfort, trust and dignity. That’s according to Geri Eaves, a seasoned nurse and administrator at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, a 42,000-square-foot orthopedic and spine surgery center in Franklin, Tennessee. Small touches, clear communication and thoughtful infrastructure can make all the difference for patients, Eaves recently explained at the … [Read more...]
From Budget Bleed to Burnout: The Top ASC Challenges Defining 2025
Rising operational costs and staffing constraints are two of the most pressing challenges for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in 2025, new survey findings from Ambulatory Surgery Center News suggest. Other pain points include anesthesiology, reimbursement rates and market consolidation, according to the survey. To better understand current trends and challenges in the ASC space, ASC News conducted a survey of professionals across a range of roles in the industry at the beginning of 2025. … [Read more...]
ASC 2025 Executive Outlook: Seizing Opportunities in a New Health Care Paradigm
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...]