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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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ASC Focus magazine covers

South Carolina Finalizes New ASC Licensing Regulations

July 26, 2024

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ASCA Posts Proposed Rule Medicare Payment Resources

July 25, 2024

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New Podcast Episode: “Advocating for ASCs”

July 16, 2024

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ASC Administrator Development Program Applications Due July 31

July 15, 2024

Sg2 Site of Care Forecast Driven by Rising Acuity and Emerging Care Models

Sg2 2024 Annual Report Projects High Growth in ASC Volume

July 8, 2024

ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey

Benchmarking 2024 Q2 Data Submission Now Open

July 1, 2024

Education, Programs & Services

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Covnention Center
April 30–May 3, 2025

ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, CO

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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

2023 Q2 reports now available

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Salary & Benefits

2023 reports now available

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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 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

Colleen Ramirez, RN, CASC

Chief Administration Officer
Bone and Joint Surgery Center of Novi

“ASCA provides its members with a true community that includes professional development and connectivity. As a member, I am provided with the knowledge and resources to stay on top of the latest trends, regulations and best practices for ASCs, all while gaining personal growth in my profession.”

ASCA Connect, a Community for Surgery Center Professionals

ASCA member conversations happening now

  • Nail Policy for Scrub Personnel

    What are other ASCs allowing for scrub personnel to have on their nails? We currently don't allow nail polish, gel, and of course artificial nails/extenders. AORN recommends that scrub personnel don't have any polish or gel, but hospitals in our area ... Read more

  • Foley catheters

    Hello, Would anyone be willing to share their discharge instructions for patients going home with a foley catheter in place after surgery? Thanks so much! Kind regards, Brenda Griffiths, RN Nurse Administrator The ... Read more

  • Local Only Anesthesia Policy

    Hi, Does anyone have a Local Only Anesthesia Policy they are willing to share? We are trying to create a formal policy. We have 2 RN's and a ST in the room and one of the RN monitors and documents VS's. We don't have any formal criteria that patients ... Read more

  • Anesthesia Directorship- Job Description

    Hello: We are looking to augment our Medical Director position to include an Anesthesia Medica Directorship in addition. Does anyone have a job description that they would be willing to share and if they are paying a stipend or based off of hours ... Read more

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