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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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ASCA Advocates for Changes to CMS 2025 Proposed Payment Rule

September 13, 2024

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New Podcast Episode: “OAS CAHPS Keys to Success”

September 9, 2024

New! Virtual Education Included in 2025 ASCA Membership

New! Virtual Education Included in 2025 ASCA Membership

September 5, 2024

Renew Your ASCA Membership Today

Renew Your ASCA Membership Today!

September 4, 2024

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Important Dates in September

September 1, 2024

ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo

ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo: Registration Now Open!

August 19, 2024

Education, Programs & Services

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Covnention Center
April 30–May 3, 2025

ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, CO

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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

2023 Q2 reports now available

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Salary & Benefits

2023 reports now available

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ASC Focus Magazine - August 2023

ASC Focus Magazine

A members-only print and digital magazine for the ASC community

Digital edition sponsored by

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Finance & Accounting
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HIPAA Workbook
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Physician Brief
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Benchmarking Basics
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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 ASCs

$  billion/year

Medicare program and beneficiary savings

 million/year

Total procedures performed

 million/year

Medicare procedures performed

%

Medicare cataract surgeries are performed in ASCs

%

Medicare colonoscopies are performed in ASCs

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary (PSPS) data, 2019 to 2021

Colleen Ramirez, RN, CASC

Chief Administration Officer
Bone and Joint Surgery Center of Novi

“ASCA provides its members with a true community that includes professional development and connectivity. As a member, I am provided with the knowledge and resources to stay on top of the latest trends, regulations and best practices for ASCs, all while gaining personal growth in my profession.”

ASCA Connect, a Community for Surgery Center Professionals

ASCA member conversations happening now

  • Point of Care Testing

    We are considering doing pre-op POC testing for a few labs (potassium, hemoglobin and INR) using a device such as the Abbott i-STAT. I'm having trouble determining if this is a billable service in an ASC. Does anyone perform POC testing and bill for it? ... Read more

  • AAMI ST 108

    Good morning. Does anyone have clarification on the AAMI ST 108 standard. Is this a requirement? Who will enforce? And are existing ASCs with DI systems grandfathered in at this time? Thank you in advance. ------------------------------ Stephanie ... Read more

  • GLN numer

    Good morning, I have been asked by one of my Pharmaceutical companies to provide them with a GLN number. Is anyone finding this to be the case? It cost $250. to join and then $50.00 each year, but I want to make certain that we need it. I have ... Read more

  • Recent AAAHC survey finding

    We were cited during recent survey on the standard below. How are others meeting this standard? CRD.240.30 If a patient has had three or more visits/admissions, or if a clinical record is complex and lengthy, a summary of past and current ... Read more

  • ASC Employee Job Descriptions

    Is anyone able to share a copy of your Job Descriptions for: OR RN, CST, PREOP/PACU RN, Clinical Nurse Manager, Director, Front office Receptionist Thank you very much! ------------------------------ Dawn ONeill Abilene TX ------ ... Read more

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