ASCA News Digest

Published July 29, 2025

PreviewTextReplace
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may soon dismiss the members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an advisory panel of primary care experts, raising "deep concern" from the American Medical Association and other top medical groups. The plan was first reported in The Wall Street Journal.
NPR (07/28/25) Pien Huang
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

Listen to the latest episode of the Advancing Surgical Care Podcast to hear ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice and ASCA Chief Advocacy Officer Kara Newbury summarize the key provisions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2026 proposed payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient departments. During their conversation, Prentice and Newbury break down the proposed inflationary update and other related factors for procedures performed in ASCs.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

SPONSORED CONTENT
Ethos® is Setting the Standard for Ultrasound Probe Reprocessing

Ethos provides both cleaning and high-level disinfection to soiled transvaginal, transrectal, and surface ultrasound probes in one device. Ethos is approved for use with major probe manufacturers, call us today to learn more.

Two federal agencies have recently issued warnings about scams targeting physicians that use deceptive schemes and other nefarious means in attempts to gain access to medical records or personal information and even to fraudulently obtain payments. In one scheme, the scammer—presumably seeking personal information—impersonates a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and tells physicians that they are under investigation.
American Medical Association (07/25/25) Andis Robeznieks
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) have proposed a new Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) in CMS’ proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The ASM, an initiative designed by CMMI, is aimed at patients undergoing treatment for heart failure or low back pain in outpatient settings. Read this Digital Debut to learn more.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

SPONSORED CONTENT
Procision's AI Voice Assistant for ASCs
AI is everywhere in healthcare conversations—but few solutions actually deliver practical value to surgery centers. At Procision, we're changing that. We’ve just launched our AI Voice Assistant to help surgery centers automate patient communication without disrupting the patient experience.

Read the full article to see how it works and why it’s a game-changer for your staff and your patients.

Two California surgery center workers are facing federal charges after being accused of scuffling with ICE agents. The July 9 incident captured on video shows the two workers standing in the way of agents, as they tried to detain a man who ran into the surgical building.
USA Today (07/25/25) Trevor Hughes
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

Data submission for the second quarter (Q2) of ASCA’s 2025 Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey closes this Thursday, July 31. This valuable online resource provides data you can use to improve clinical outcomes, staff indicators, billing performance and more at your facility.

If you haven’t already, subscribe or submit your data today to receive valuable comparison data. ASCA members save $150 on subscriptions to the 2025 survey.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

SPONSORED CONTENT
How does your ASC stack up? Get national benchmarks by specialty.

From GI to Ortho, compare your ASC’s specialties to top-performing peers.
Check national benchmarks by specialty here.

Physician burnout is showing promising signs of decline, according to exclusive survey data from the AMA. The analysis reveals that burnout rates have fallen among physicians at every career stage after residency or fellowship training.
American Medical Association (07/22/25) Sara Berg
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

Candidates who plan to take the September Certified Administrator Surgery Center® (CASC) exam must submit their application by this Thursday, July 31. The CASC credential is a distinction earned by members of the ASC community who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and skills required of an ASC administrator. Learn more today.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

This scoping review provides insight into [colorectal cancer (CRC)] screening intervention implementation in rural settings. The limited geographic representation of the interventions included in our review may highlight an opportunity to improve implementation and dissemination of effective CRC screening interventions in rural settings to reduce CRC incidence and death.
Preventing Chronic Disease (06/19/25) No. 22 Christine M. Kava; Judith Lee Smith; Emily K. Kobernik; et al.
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

Join us this fall for ASCA’s 2025 National Advocacy Day, taking place September 15–17 in Washington, DC.

National Advocacy Day gathers engaged members of the ASC community from across the country to advocate for their facilities and the high-quality care they deliver. It is an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with your members of Congress and their staff to educate them about the many benefits ASCs offer and issues currently impacting their ability to provide care.

Register by Friday, August 15.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

ASC Focus is running a series of Q&As with ASCA’s board of directors to help ASCA members get to know them better. Read this Digital Debut to learn more about Mandy Hawkins, RN, CASC, CAIP, former president of the Board and chief executive officer of Three Hawks Advisors in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
ASCA Content (07/29/25)
Share  LinkedIn  Twitter  Facebook 

News summaries © copyright 2025 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.

Follow ASCA on
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Threads
View ASCA's Events Calendar