ASCA News Digest

Published January 6, 2026

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The costs of at least 350 drugs in the U.S. are expected to rise in 2026, according to a new analysis, despite many of the drugmakers pledging to offer more favorable prices under new Trump administration policies. New data from the health care research firm 3 Axis Advisors, first reported by Reuters, found that a higher number of drugs would see price increases next year compared with last year, when more than 250 drugs were slated for markups.
The Hill (12/31/25) Joseph Choi
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Sign up now for ASCA’s 2026 Coding & Reimbursement for ASCs virtual course, streaming live January 12–14 and available on demand afterward. During this course, which provides essential training for ASC billers and coders, participants will hear from industry experts as they discuss the coding and billing updates for 2026 and share strategies to maximize ASC reimbursements. You must attend the course as it airs live to receive AAPC credits.

The coding course—along with ASCA’s entire suite of virtual education—is included in 2026 ASCA membership and also available for purchase by nonmembers. Join ASCA or renew your membership for 2026 to access this course as part of your membership!
ASCA Content (01/06/26)
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In 2026, healthcare leaders will continue to face physician shortages amid rising patient demand and increasing operational pressure. The trends below highlight where challenges persist and where leaders can gain insight to protect access to care and maintain workforce stability.
Medicus Healthcare Solutions (12/26/25)
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The data submission period for the fourth quarter (Q4) of ASCA’s 2025 Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey is now open and will close January 31. Subscribers should make sure to submit their data by the deadline to get a complete picture of trends for last year.

Keep your ASC on track for success in the new year by subscribing to ASCA’s 2026 Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey, which is now included in ASCA membership.
ASCA Content (01/06/26)
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In the first human trial of robotic-assisted cataract surgery, 10 patients underwent the procedure with good outcomes with no complications related to the treatment, according to the Los Angeles-based physician who performed the operations. “It’s a neat first step,” Uday Devgan, MD, who performed the procedures in El Salvador, told Medscape Medical News.“The first step is always bold, it’s always scary, and there’s always this sub-element of risk.”
Medscape (12/24/25) Richard Mark Kirkner
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The application period for the March Certified Ambulatory Infection Preventionist® (CAIP) exam is now open through January 31. CAIP is the first credential designed specifically for infection preventionists in the ASC community. This certification distinguishes those with a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge that the role of an ASC infection preventionist requires.
ASCA Content (01/06/26)
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing a groundbreaking drug payment model to address the increasingly expensive cost of drugs in Medicare Part B while preserving or enhancing Medicare beneficiaries’ quality of care. Building upon the Trump Administration’s historic efforts, the Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) is expected to lower spending for Medicare beneficiaries without harming their quality of care while also improving the sustainability of the Medicare program and the Medicare Trust Fund and protecting innovation.
CMS Press Release (12/21/25)
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Get the tools you need to make 2026 your facility’s best year yet. Reserve your spot now at the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo, taking place May 13–16 in Washington, DC.

New this year, ASCA’s annual conference will feature SAMBA (Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia)—providing a richer, more interdisciplinary learning and networking experience for the entire ASC community.

Check out the schedule and register today!
ASCA Content (01/06/26)
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In this cohort study of 304,908 surgical procedures, direct care evinced a significantly lower likelihood of low-value surgery in both 2016 to 2019 and 2020 to 2023. These findings support the contention that changing clinician reimbursement models from fee-for-service to salaried is associated with lower rates of low-value care.
JAMA Network Open (12/02/25) Vol. 8, No. 12 Andrew J. Schoenfeld; Kaitlyn E. Holly; Madison N. Cirillo; et al.
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Visit the ASC Focus website to read the January issue of the ASC Focus magazine. Highlights include: “The Year Ahead,” “Making the Most of OAS CAHPS Survey Data,” “ASCA Names Four New Board Members” and “Marketing Your ASC.”
ASCA Content (01/06/26)
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Tri-City Cardiology's Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC), legally referred to as Tri-City Surgical Centers, has achieved a major milestone, surpassing 6,000 completed procedures since opening—an accomplishment that underscores the organization's commitment delivering high-quality, patient-centered cardiovascular care in an outpatient setting. Designed to expand access to advanced cardiovascular and vascular procedures, the Tri-City Cardiology ASC has quickly become a trusted destination for patients and referring providers alike.
PR Newswire (12/29/25)
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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.

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