ASCA News Digest

Published April 14, 2026

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing changes to slash long waiting periods for drugs, reducing barriers to timely access to critical treatments. The Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule would advance sweeping reforms to modernize prior authorization for drugs by establishing clear decision deadlines for impacted payers – no later than 24 hours for urgent requests and 72 hours for standard requests – and increasing transparency through full disclosure of claims denials and appeals outcomes.
CMS Press Release (04/10/26)
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Tune in to the latest ASCA Audio Update to hear ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice describe the total remaking of ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey into what is now simply called ASCA Benchmarking. Bill discusses the decision to make ASCA Benchmarking free for ASCA members, the transition to the new survey platform, the addition of three specialty tracks to the survey and the new participation requirements. With the survey now open for the first quarter, listen to this short explanation to make the most of this essential ASCA member benefit.

Access to ASCA Benchmarking is included in ASCA membership. Data submission for the first quarter closes April 30subscribe today!
ASCA Content (04/14/26)
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The Medical Group Management Association’s (MGMA) 2026 Regulatory Burden Report highlights the negative impacts that increased regulatory burden and decreased reimbursement has on the healthcare system. These factors contribute to increased physician burnout, consolidation, and ultimately, make it more difficult for patients to access the care they need.
MGMA.com (04/09/26)
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Learn how one ASC reduced aged AR by 33% and boosted cash per case by 6% in six months through focused revenue integrity, analytics, and hands-on collaboration. The results highlight what’s possible when strategy and execution align.

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Don’t miss your chance to attend the best ASC conference of the year! Register now for the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo, May 13–16 in Washington, DC. There’s no better place to find high-impact education, meaningful networking opportunities and the latest innovations in outpatient surgery. And for the first time ever, ASCA has joined forces with SAMBA (Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia) to provide a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience for the entire ASC community.

Online registration for the conference closes next Friday, April 24. Check out the schedule and register today before prices increase onsite!
ASCA Content (04/14/26)
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SPONSORED CONTENT
ASC Insights: Real Stories, Real Results, Real Impact.
Through in-depth conversations with ASC medical directors, administrators, and clinical leaders, we're documenting real-world experiences with technology implementation, operational innovation, and strategic decision-making. These aren't marketing stories—they're peer-to-peer insights from leaders who've faced the same challenges you're navigating today.

Listen now.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health recently launched a new public service announcement campaign to encourage adults to get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people younger than 50, but is highly treatable if caught in early stages.
Hawaii Department of Health (04/02/26)
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Save Up To 50% on Demo & Refurbished Medical Equipment
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Succession planning aims to secure top talent and develop potential leaders to advance the organization and move into top-level roles. But how do we go about filling in gaps when someone leaves?

Find out during this month’s webinar, “Effective Succession Planning for ASCs,” airing live next Tuesday, April 21, at 1:00 pm ET. You’ll leave with the skills needed to identify ideal candidates and ensure they receive the mentoring, tools and exposure required to excel.

This webinar is free for ASCA members and will be available on demand after the live program.
ASCA Content (04/14/26)
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OEM Devices You Already Use—At a Discounted Price

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Colorado Springs Cardiology held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, April 8, for its new ambulatory surgery center. On Wednesday, Colorado Springs Cardiology held a ribbon-cutting for its new Heart & Vascular Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Yahoo! (04/08/26) Brett Yager
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SPONSORED CONTENT
ASC Focus Reimagined

Look for a bold redesign of ASC Focus coming in May at the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo! Get ready for fresh layouts, vibrant visuals and sharper storytelling. This new look reflects our evolving voice keeping pace with the changing media landscape. While staying true to our roots, the redesign delivers a modern, more intuitive and engaging experience for our readers.

Share your ASC experience with others by leading a presentation at the ASCA 2027 Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL, March 31–April 3.

ASCA is interested in proposals from individuals with hands-on experience in the ASC community on topics involving human resources, clinical care, quality, finance, legal issues, information technology, anesthesia and more.

The submission deadline is in two weeks—Thursday, April 30. Submit your proposal today.
ASCA Content (04/14/26)
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New research from the American Medical Association’s Center for Digital Health and AI shows that physicians’ adoption of augmented intelligence (AI) continues to grow as confidence builds in the technology’s clinical advantages. An annual survey since 2023, the Physician Survey on Augmented Intelligence assesses adoption, perceptions, and anticipated impacts of AI in medical practice.
AMA News Release (03/12/26)
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Michigan HB 5770 would disallow, beginning January 1, 2027, healthcare providers, including ASCs, from charging facility fees for the following: professional medical services provided through telemedicine; professional medical services provided in a facility that is not a hospital; and professional medical services provided to a patient who is receiving outpatient service in a hospital, unless that service is provided in an emergency room or is observation. Read this Digital Debut to learn more.
ASCA Content (04/14/26)
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An aging U.S. population has contributed to unusually robust healthcare job growth over the past three years that, in turn, has caused surging demand for various healthcare facilities. Since March 2023, the U.S. healthcare industry has created jobs at three times the rate of the overall economy, a sharp escalation from the three years prior to the pandemic.
CBRE (03/26/26)
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News summaries © copyright 2026 Smithbucklin
About ASCA

Mission: The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is the national membership association that represents ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and provides advocacy and resources to assist ASCs in delivering high-quality, cost-effective ambulatory surgery to all the patients they serve.

About Us: At ASCA, we are eager to help you become better acquainted with our nation's ASCs and the people who own and operate them. We are also eager to help you develop policies on ASC-related issues. If you have questions, please contact us. We'll put you in touch with the experts and, if you like, arrange for you to visit an ASC in your area.

Contact Us: Advertising inquiries should be addressed to Chris Schriever or Alex Yewdell at 202.337.1897 or at advertising@ascassociation.org.

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