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...]

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...]

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the U.S. are being forced to postpone elective and non-emergent procedures due to a nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids.  Procedures like heart ablations, the removal of tumors that don’t require immediate treatment and colonoscopies are among those reported being put on pause for the time being.  This shortage stems from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to Baxter International’s North Cove plant in North … [Read more...]

Bon Secours Mercy Health, Compass Surgical Partners and AlignedCardio have announced plans to open a cardiovascular ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in the Short Pump area of Henrico, Virginia.  Driven by technological advancements and data demonstrating safety, cardiovascular procedures are increasingly being performed in ASCs. The new facility, Short Pump Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center, is set to open in late 2025.  The 8,000-square-foot center will offer a range of procedures, … [Read more...]

Compass Surgical Partners, an independent full-service ambulatory surgery center (ASC) development and management partner, is “marching towards the West.”  Raleigh, North Carolina based Compass has developed more than 250 ASCs over the past three decades. It is currently in 13 markets with exclusive health care system partners.  In January, Compass formed a joint venture with Baptist Health to launch a network of ASCs branded as Horizon Surgery Center in Northeast Florida, part of a … [Read more...]

Compass Surgical Partners, an independent full-service ambulatory surgery center (ASC) development and management partner, has announced the appointment of Darcy Smith as the company's first chief people officer (CPO). Smith will report directly to Chief Executive Officer DJ Hill. Smith's appointment comes at an important juncture for Compass, as the company experiences substantial growth through expansive partnerships with major health systems. To support the scaling operations and the … [Read more...]

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) play a crucial role in the U.S. health care landscape. There are over 6,000 Medicare-certified ASCs in the country, and this number is rapidly increasing due to several factors, including shifting payer and patient preferences for non-hospital alternatives. For ASC operators, all that growth raises an important question: How do you capitalize on that demand and expand in a strategic, safe and impactful manner? And there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to … [Read more...]

Bon Secours Mercy Health and Compass Surgical Partners are launching a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) joint venture. Announced in April, the JV will launch in Greenville, South Carolina, with a target opening date of April 11. Dubbed Millennium Surgery Center, the ASC will provide same-day orthopedic surgeries, otolaryngology interventions and pain management procedures. "We are excited to get to work in this modern, outpatient environment that will blend world-class treatment with … [Read more...]