Ambulatory Surgery Center Association

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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Latest News

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New Anthem Policy to Punish Facilities for Use of Out-of-Network Providers

December 3, 2025

Key Provisions of CMS’ 2026 Final Payment Rule

December 2, 2025

Important Dates in December

December 1, 2025

CMS Releases 2026 Final Payment Rule

November 21, 2025

CMS Delays Prior Authorization Demonstration

November 21, 2025

Analysis of CMS’ 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

November 6, 2025

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

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

Digital edition sponsored by

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Finance & Accounting

HIPAA Workbook

Physician Brief

Benchmarking Basics

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 ASCs

$ billion/year

Medicare program and beneficiary savings

million/year

Total procedures performed

million/year

Medicare procedures performed

%

Medicare cataract surgeries are performed in ASCs

%

Medicare colonoscopies are performed in ASCs

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

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

ASA score for ASCs

I have been looking for some clarification on ASA scores for our ASC. We do not do general anesthesia and have RN sedation and CRNA sedation. We have always said not ASA 4 cases can be done at our ASC, but recently we have had a few cases slip through ... Read more
PI indicators for Cardiac ASC's

Looking for some examples of what Performance Indicators or QAPI studies other cardiac ASC's have been using. Would love to discuss off line. Thanks Dixie ------------------------------ Dixie Norris MBA BSN RN Ambulatory Cardiovascular Center ... Read more
Post Op Calls

Does anyone have a policy they would be willing to share for post op calls. ------------------------------ Kasey Marin MSN BSN RN CNOR Administrator/Director Southern Surgery Center Hattiesburg MS 601.554.7531 ------------------------------ Read more
New Flooring

We are having our flooring replaced in the lobby, business office, consultation rooms and breakroom. These are all areas out side of patient care, do I still need to implement the Life Safety Codes? I have reviewed the information and I guess I am confused ... Read more