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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A Look Back at State Health Policy Trends in 2025

January 23, 2026

ASC Administrator Program Applications Due January 31

January 15, 2026

2026 Coding Virtual Course Now Available On Demand!

January 15, 2026

Benchmarking 2025 Q4 Data Submission Now Open

January 5, 2026

Important Dates in January

January 5, 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

Anesthesia Billing

We are a small privately owned surgery center billing out anesthesia to a company. We are looking to switch companies-- does anyone have any recommendations for an anesthesia billing company? Thank you! -Lauren ------------------------------ Lauren ... Read more
Ophthalmic technicians in the OR

Are any eye centers using ophthalmic assistants in the OR during cataract surgery? One of our surgeons asked if one of his technicians from his office could perform the duties of a surgical tech during his cases with us. I'm curious if anyone is doing ... Read more
Lidocaine Alternative

HI, Could someone share some insight on what you use for local anesthetic in place of lidocaine? We have a patient scheduled who has a lidocaine allergy and our pharmacy consultant is unable to advise. ... Read more
DNV ASC Accreditation

Good morning, Now that DNV has introduced a new ASC accreditation program, are any of you planning to transition to DNV accreditation? Just wanted to get some thoughts on this. Thank you. ------------------------------ Gina Taylor ASC at LBJ Houston ... Read more