Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to expand their footprint in Medicare while delivering care at significantly lower cost than hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). That’s according to a recent status report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). The report offers a high-level overview of ASC utilization, spending, quality and geographic distribution under fee-for-service Medicare. MedPAC is an independent congressional advisory body that analyzes Medicare … [Read more...]
Medicare Spending on ASCs Hits $6.8B as Volume, Complexity Rise
The number of Medicare-certified ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) climbed to 6,299 in 2023, up 13% from 2017, according to recently released data from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). At the same time, total Medicare payments to ASCs surged to $6.8 billion – an 11.6% jump over the prior year. The figures, published in MedPAC’s July 2025 Data Book, underscore the growing role of ASCs in the outpatient care landscape, particularly as policymakers and payers look to shift … [Read more...]
Ambulatory Surgery Centers Surge in Medicare Market, MedPAC Calls for Cost-Reporting Requirements
The number of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) operating in the fee-for-service Medicare landscape is rising. So, too, is the share of traditional Medicare beneficiaries served by ASCs. That’s according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), which presented on the ASC market as part of its regular health care status report on Jan. 16. The objective of these regular MedPAC presentations is to educate commissioners on the various corners of health care, giving MedPAC the … [Read more...]