August 4, 2025
Alexandria, VA—The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is proud to celebrate National ASC Month. Throughout August, ASCA and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the nation will highlight the high-quality, cost-effective surgical care that ASCs provide to their patients and communities.
Since the opening of the first ASC in Phoenix, Arizona, in February 1970, the industry has grown to encompass 6,500 Medicare-certified facilities performing more than 23 million outpatient procedures annually. ASCs perform roughly 80 percent of all Medicare cataract removals and 50 percent of Medicare colonoscopies each year.
“This month we recognize the vital role that surgery centers play in our country’s healthcare and encourage our community to join us in advocacy and education,” said ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice. “By expanding the public’s understanding of the safe, convenient and lower-cost services available at ASCs, we can ensure that more patients have access to the care they need.”
ASCA has posted a National ASC Month Toolkit and encourages everybody to get involved in advocacy and promotion. Posted resources include custom logos, social media graphics and template letters encouraging lawmakers to support the currently introduced Medicare Beneficiary Co-Pay Fairness Act.
To learn more visit our National ASC Month page. View a timeline history of ASCs compiled as part of the 50 Years of ASCs celebration.