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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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Latest News

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Coding & Reimbursement for ASCs Virtual Course

2025 Coding Virtual Course Starts Monday!

January 10, 2025

New Year, New Trends: Experts weigh in 2025 graphic

January Issue Now Available

January 10, 2025

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ASCA Posts 2025 Q1 Medicare Payment Resources

January 9, 2025

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New Podcast Episode: “ASCA Board Members Address Anesthesia Provider Shortage”

January 9, 2025

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Important Dates in January

January 2, 2025

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Celebrating a Legacy: Kay Tucker Reflects on 30 Years with ASCA

December 17, 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

  • Cataract Surgeons

    Good afternoon we are a multispecialty ASC. All our physicians are credentialed with a Medicare affiliated hospital for transfer purposes. Does anyone have cataract surgeons that are not credentialed at a hospital that work at the ASC? Does Medicare ... Read more

  • cold weather low humidity

    How do other facilities handle low humidity during winter months. I am in central Florida area, and this is a very unusual topic for this area. Thank you for any guidance you can give. P.S. The current HVAC system is not automated to handle humidity. ... Read more

  • New Equipment Policy

    Hello! I am looking to add a new equipment policy for our center. Does anyone know or have any ideas on where I can find one? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! ------------------------------ Sarah Aarvik RN, BSN Nurse Manager ... Read more

  • Research

    Does anyone have a policy they can share for research studies? Nicole Howhannesian RN,BSN Director of Nursing SurgiCare of Oradell 555 Kinderkamack Road Oradell, N.J. 07649 201-265-8173 NHowhannesian@sovms.com ... Read more

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