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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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Looking Ahead to 2026 Advocacy Priorities in Light of CMS’ Final Rule

November 22, 2024

ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey

Benchmarking 2024 Q3 Reports Now Available

November 18, 2024

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New Podcast Episode: “Medicare’s 2025 Final Payment Rule”

November 13, 2024

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CMS Releases 2025 Final Payment Rule

November 1, 2024

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ASCA CEO Addresses Current IV Solutions Shortage

October 17, 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

  • Caprini Risk Assessment

    Hello, I'm reviewing our DVT policy, which includes utilizing the Caprini Risk scale on a specific population of surgical patients. Is anyone willing to share their policy, specifically a score threshold of "high risk" and actions taken? Thank you ... Read more

  • SPD / Instrument Tracking Systems

    Just wondering if anyone is using any electronic instrument tracking systems in their ASCs that they really like? We have looked at several, but many are quite expensive and much more expansive than our clients need. So just wondering what is working ... Read more

  • PA & NP DOP

    Looking for a Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner DOP. Thank you ------------------------------ Kail Tinker RN Administrator Surgery Center of North Central Ohio Norwalk OH ------------------------------ Read more

  • Consent Form Content

    Can anyone advise on how precise a surgical consent is required to be in accordance with the law and accreditation standards? Some of our physicians who have always worded options for procedures on cases where the actual procedure was unclear as a versus ... Read more

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