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Advancing Ambulatory Surgery

The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) assists ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective patient care.

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ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo

Conference Day Passes Now Available

May 5, 2026

10 Under 40 logo

10 Under 40 Honors Nominations Close May 16

May 1, 2026

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New Study Reveals ASCs Save Medicare Billions Every Year

May 1, 2026

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Important Dates in May

May 1, 2026

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ASCA Benchmarking: Redesigned and Better than Ever

April 14, 2026

ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey

Benchmarking 2026 Q1 Data Submission Now Open

April 6, 2026

Education, Programs & Services

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
May 13–16, 2026

ASCA 2026 Conference & Expo

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington, DC

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Webinar Series
Virtual Courses
Online Training Series
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ASC Administrator Development Program
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Clinical & Operational Benchmarking

Q2 Reports Available August 15

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Salary & Benefits

2025 Reports Now Available

Purchase Reports
ASC Focus Magazine - August 2023

ASC Focus Magazine

A members-only print and digital magazine for the ASC community

Digital edition sponsored by

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Finance & Accounting
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HIPAA Workbook
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Physician Brief
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Benchmarking Basics
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One World Surgery Partnership

ASCA members interested in medical mission opportunities are invited to apply for the ASCA Foundation’s scholarship program.

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Enhancing the Patient Experience

ASCA members work at the forefront of the healthcare community to advance the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of outpatient surgery.

We know our community is making a difference and that’s why we provide the resources, education and advocacy to support this mission.

  • No need to visit a hospital
  • Medicare-certified quality
  • Efficient procedure scheduling and performance
  • Drastically reduced patient copays
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Patients Pay Less in
Surgery Centers

ASCs see reimbursement rates per procedure that are roughly half that of hospital outpatient departments (HOPD). This lower cost is passed on to the patient in the form of lower coinsurance.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

HOPD

$

ASC

$

Cataract Removal

HOPD

$

ASC

$

Rotator Cuff Repair

HOPD

$

ASC

$

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2024 Procedure Price Lookup Comparison File, Carpal Tunnel Surgery (CPT® 64721), Cataract Removal (CPT® 66984), Rotator Cuff Repair (CPT® 29827)

Surgery Centers
by the Numbers

Medicare Certified ASCs1

Single-specialty1

Multispecialty1

+

Operating Rooms1

$  billion/year

Medicare program and beneficiary savings2

 million/year

Total procedures performed2

 million/year

Medicare procedures performed2

%

Medicare cataract surgeries performed in ASCs2

%

Medicare colonoscopies performed in ASCs2

1 Source: ASC Data logo | Data Analysis, 2/12/2026  Ambulatory Surgery Center Industry Q4 2025 Insights Report

2 Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary (PSPS) data, 2019 to 2021

Headshot of Anne Haddix

Anne Haddix

Administrator
Southwest Surgical Suites

“When I first entered the ASC community, I wanted to align with an organization that advocates for our field and provides the resources and education needed to help me grow and better support my team. ASCA has been that organization.”

ASCA Connect, a Community for Surgery Center Professionals

ASCA member conversations happening now

  • Mitomycin handling in Ophthalmology

    What are your policies surrounding handling mitomycin in the OR in Ophthalmology? Do you have staff who are pregnant and or breastfeeding in the room that it is being used? ------------------------------ Katie Peterson RN Clinical Director Ophthalmology ... Read more

  • Exparel (Pain Medication) Reimbursement

    Hi everyone, has anyone had success getting insurance reimbursement for Exparel (pain medication)? Thanks, ------------------------------ Viviana Lopez Compliance Officer Caguas Ambulatory Surgical Center Caguas PR 7873007522 --------------- ... Read more

  • ADA 504 Rule effective 7/8/26

    Hello Does anyone have any knowledge about the ADA 504 Final rule in regards to Medical Diagnostic Equipment mandates by July 8th 2026? I am just recently learning about this and wanted to see if anyone would share their knowledge if it applies to ASC's ... Read more

  • Sterilization Process

    We have a new ASC and I am looking for some help with the sterilization process. We do spine and orthopedic cases. Is there a checklist or guidance you can provide regarding the necessary requirements and/ or processes to comply with Sterilization? ... Read more

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