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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Registration Now Open for Accrediting Organization Virtual Course

January 30, 2026

ASC Administrator Program Applications Due February 6

January 15, 2026

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 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

¹Source: | Data Analysis, 12/15/2025 Ambulatory Surgery Center Industry Q3 2025 Insights Report

²Source: 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

Patient Refusing Pregnancy Test Prior to Surgery

Looking to see if anyone has a pregnancy policy for patients undergoing general anesthesia in their ASC that refuse a pregnancy test on day of admission prior to surgery. I appreciate everyone's help as always! ------------------------------ Christin ... Read more
Increasing Hours for Full Time Staff

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had experience with slow periods of times and providing additional work for staff to ensure they get their 40 hours, or as close to as possible. We are primarily a GI center, and our techs seem to struggle in getting ... Read more
Medicare January addenda posted

Hi All - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have finally posted the January addenda. Please refer to the attached file for national rates for Q1 2026. We are working on the Medicare payment resources such as the rate calculator and will ... Read more
QI Project Help

Is anyone able to suggest some QI projects for your ASC's? We have completed the standard QI projects recently. We are looking to do something that is not handwashing/medication administration/recovery time/block vs no block. We currently do primarily ... Read more