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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 Medicare Reimbursement for More Cardiovascular Codes

October 11, 2024

ASC Admin Program: 2023-2024 Virtual Class Grads

New ASC Administrator Development Program Graduates

October 10, 2024

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Baxter Responds to Hurricane Damage at Its NC Manufacturing Facility

October 4, 2024

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ASCA’s 2024 Q4 Medicare Rate Calculator Now Available

October 3, 2024

ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey

Benchmarking 2024 Q3 Data Submission Now Open

October 1, 2024

Renew Your ASCA Membership Today

Renew Your ASCA Membership and Enjoy Free Virtual Education in 2025!

September 5, 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
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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

  • Protocol for Stopping Blood Thinners

    Would anyone be willing to share your protocol for stopping blood thinners prior to orthopedic and spine surgery? Thank you! ------------------------------ Geri Eaves, BSN, RN, CASC, CNOR Administrator Bone and Joint Institute of TN Surgery Center ... Read more

  • 23 hour stay

    A question for facilities doing 23 hour stay. Can a surgeon write a discharge order, through an EMR, without physically seeing the patient prior to discharge? Does the surgeon have to physically come in and evaluate the patient prior to discharge? ... Read more

  • Continuing Education and Compliance Training

    Happy Friday! We are an ASC that practices strictly ophthalmic (specifically cataracts) procedures. We currently use Stericycle to do a lot of our compliance training (HIPAA, BBP, Workplace Violence, Hand Hygiene, etc) but we're looking into hopefully ... Read more

  • Director of Anesthesia

    Does anyone currently have a Director of Anesthesia position at their ASC? We are looking at creating this position at our facility. I would like like to know where this position resides on your Organizational Facility Chart and if you have a Job Description/Contract ... Read more

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