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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.

Education, Programs & Services

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Covnention Center

ASCA 2025 Conference & Expo

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, CO

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Clinical & Operational Benchmarking

2023 Q2 reports now available

Salary & Benefits

2023 reports now available

ASC Focus Magazine - August 2023

ASC Focus Magazine

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

Digital edition sponsored by

A happy patient with his family

One World Surgery Partnership

ASCA members interested in medical mission opportunities are invited to apply for the ASCA Foundation’s scholarship program.

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

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

  • What services is everyone using for insurance claim processing? We are looking at different options available that may be better than what we have. Thank you in advance for your feedback! Kim ------------------------------ Kim Booth RN CAIP Assistant ... Read more

  • Hello.... I am just curious how everyone is reporting patient satisfaction now that we use an outside source (FYI--we are using Press Ganey). I am having a hard time deciding which data to provide each month. I'm just not sure what information to ... Read more

  • Please reply if you are a multi-specialty ASC performing Total Joints. ------------------------------ Pearl Nelson MSN RN DON [Hattiesburg Clinic] Hattiesburg MS 601.579.3400 Lowery A. Woodall Outpatient Surgery ------------------------------ Read more

  • Is there a time limit an ASC should have a patient under general anesthesia? We have a surgeon wanting to perform a surgery under general anesthesia that he anticipates will take 3-4 hours. I feel like this may be out of the scope for an ASC. Any suggestions/guidance ... Read more

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