Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are facing complex challenges as they approach 2026. Costs are increasing, physician recruitment is becoming more competitive, and anesthesiology coverage remains a concern. This was all revealed in the recently published VMG Health 2026 Leader Expectations Survey. In September, VMG surveyed 97 leaders from independent and joint-venture ASCs to gain better insight into industry trends and priorities. While ASC leaders remain optimistic about the … [Read more...]
ASC Strategic Partnerships: Why Health Systems and Independent Surgery Centers Are Joining Forces
With shrinking margins, staffing shortages and shifting physician demographics, independent ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators are increasingly considering whether they should continue going it alone – or turn to a strategic partner for backup. Strategic partnerships can help mitigate common industry challenges by potentially securing better reimbursement rates, leveraging group purchasing agreements and bringing in additional patient volume, William Teague of VMG Health, a health … [Read more...]
Top Ambulatory Surgery Center Trends for 2025
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...]
VMG: 88% of ASC Leaders Expect 2025 Financial Performance to Meet or Exceed 2024
Despite ongoing challenges, ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leaders remain hopeful about financial performance in 2025. In fact, 88% of ASC operators surveyed by health care consulting and business performance firm VMG Health expect their financial performance to be similar to or better than in 2024. Sentiment about the market is positive, according to the survey. Among respondents, 42% anticipate a positive change in EBITDA, while 46% expect stability. Still, a significant challenge for … [Read more...]
Iron Path Capital-Backed ASC Capitol Pain Institute Buys Pain Care Surgery of Louisville
Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) dealmaking activity continues to heat up. In one of the most recent deals, the private equity-backed Capitol Pain Institute (CPI) acquired Pain Care Surgery of Louisville. Strategically, the transaction adds to CPI’s advanced procedures offerings via spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, interspinous stabilization and fixation, and posterior SI joint fusion. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. “We believe that every patient … [Read more...]