ASCA News Digest

Published July 21, 2026

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing transformational reforms to Medicare’s physician payment and value-based care programs that would expand accountable care, modernize physician payment, reduce administrative burden, and help shift the healthcare system’s focus from treating illness to preventing it. The proposals would make Medicare accountable care organizations easier to join and more rewarding to participate in, transition clinicians away from traditional Merit-based Incentive Payment System reporting toward more meaningful value-based care pathways, and update physician payment policies to better reflect modern clinical practice.
CMS Press Release (07/14/26)
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Data submission for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026 ASCA Benchmarking closes next Friday, July 31.

Completely redesigned for 2026, this valuable survey allows you to compare your facility’s performance with other ASCs and can assist you in complying with regulatory and accrediting organization benchmarking requirements.

Since the survey is now free for ASCA members, there are more ASCs than ever participating this year — resulting in even stronger and more meaningful benchmarking data. Get started today!
ASCA Content (07/21/26)
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Today, Reps. John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), respective chairs of the GOP and Democratic Doctors Caucuses, introduced the bipartisan Patients First Act–comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act reform legislation. The Patients First Act is necessary to keep patients healthy, preserve competition, and deliver affordability.
U.S. Rep. John Joyce Press Release (07/15/26)
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Apply today to be a mentor or mentee in the fall 2026-2027 class of ASCA’s ASC Administrator Development Program!

This yearlong mentoring program matches newer and aspiring administrators with their more experienced peers to strengthen and broaden the knowledge and professional network of all participants. A maximum of 25 mentees will be accepted into the class, which will run from September 2026 to August 2027.

Applications are due next Friday, July 31.
ASCA Content (07/21/26)
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OEM Devices You Already Use—At a Discounted Price

Minimize disruption and maximize readiness with Synergy Surgical. Immediate access to OEM devices, no contracts, no minimums, and same-day shipping.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 2372 into law Monday that includes several overhauls to healthcare laws in the state. HB 2372, was sponsored by state Rep. Tara Peters (R-Phelps County) and state Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Cole County). One provision in the bill, bans health insurers from placing time limits on anesthesia coverage during surgery.
KQ2 (07/15/26) Erika McGuire
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No Surprises Act disputes shouldn't rely on manual spreadsheets and guesswork. Pivotal Health is the IDR Authority, the software platform built for ambulatory surgery centers to manage dispute resolution end-to-end. Automated deadline tracking, built-in analytics, and data-driven negotiation support help your team win more disputes and recover more revenue from payors. See what modern IDR software can do.

In the latest episode of the Advancing Surgical Care Podcast, ASCA Past President Mandy Hawkins introduces the work ASCA’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group is doing to support the safe adoption of AI tools in ASCs. She is joined by Becky Ziegler-Otis, assistant executive director of the ASC Quality Collaboration, for an engaging conversation about administrative AI applications available to surgery centers.

With practical advice and real-world examples of how AI can improve the efficiency of patient engagement and administrative support, Hawkins and Ziegler-Otis also provide essential guidance to ensure patient privacy and HIPAA compliance in using AI applications.
ASCA Content (07/21/26)
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Learn how one ASC reduced aged AR by 33% and boosted cash per case by 6% in six months through focused revenue integrity, analytics, and hands-on collaboration. The results highlight what’s possible when strategy and execution align.

Read more.

Ohio patients now have increased access to safe anesthesia care. The state is the latest to opt out of Medicare physician supervision requirements for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
PR Newswire (07/13/26)
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ASCA collaborates with partners to launch market report

ASCA, ASC Data, and ASC News joined hands to produce the State of the ASC Market 2026 report, which highlights growth trends, health system investment in ASCs, and forces shaping the industry’s future. Download the report.

Candidates who plan to take the September Certified Administrator Surgery Center® (CASC) exam must submit their application by next Friday, July 31. The CASC credential is a distinction earned by members of the ASC community who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and skills required of an ASC administrator. Learn more about the CASC credential.
ASCA Content (07/21/26)
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MedTrainer and Surglogs are partnering to provide healthcare facilities with a complete compliance ecosystem, according to a release. Staff education, provider credentialing, regulatory compliance and daily clinical workflows will be accessible through a single login, giving healthcare teams complete visibility and operational confidence.
ASC Focus (07/20/26)
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Louisiana ASCs have been left with no clear answers about what their future workers’ compensation reimbursements will look like under the new law that came into effect last month. Governor Jeff Landry (R) signed SB 408 into law on June 3, marking a major milestone in the yearslong effort to reform the state’s workers’ compensation system. However, last-minute changes leave the most contentious questions surrounding reimbursements unanswered. Read the Digital Debut to learn more.
ASCA Content (07/21/26)
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Amsurg expanded its portfolio with the addition of five North Carolina-based ASCs, according to a release. The newly acquired centers span across the eastern and central portions of the state, providing patients in the region with a team-based approach to managing acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
ASC Focus (07/15/26)
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News summaries © copyright 2026 Smithbucklin
About ASCA

Mission: The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) is the national membership association that represents ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and provides advocacy and resources to assist ASCs in delivering high-quality, cost-effective ambulatory surgery to all the patients they serve.

About Us: At ASCA, we are eager to help you become better acquainted with our nation's ASCs and the people who own and operate them. We are also eager to help you develop policies on ASC-related issues. If you have questions, please contact us. We'll put you in touch with the experts and, if you like, arrange for you to visit an ASC in your area.

Contact Us: Advertising inquiries should be addressed to Chris Schriever or Alex Yewdell at 202.337.1897 or at advertising@ascassociation.org.

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