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For decades, primary care providers have complained that their work is undervalued, noting that insurance companies pay far less for office visits than for procedures and imaging tests. In fact, research shows that Medicare — whose rates heavily influence other insurance plans — reimburses physicians 3-5 times more for procedures than for evaluation and management of patients during office visits.
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Medscape (10/07/25) Liz Szabo
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Make plans to join us next spring at ASCA’s annual conference—the ASC community’s can’t-miss event of the year. New for 2026, the conference will feature SAMBA, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia. This exciting collaboration brings together ASC clinical and operational leaders with experts in outpatient anesthesia to offer a richer, more interdisciplinary learning and networking experience for the entire ASC community. Register for the ASCA + SAMBA Conference & Expo by December 31 to get the best rate! |
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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What Comes After the CRNA Model?Exploring New Paths Forward in ASC Sedation and Staffing
The CRNA model has long been a cornerstone of ASC anesthesia—but with staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing gaps in coverage, many facilities are asking: what’s next? This peer-led focus group brings together ASC administrators and clinical leaders for a candid, forward-looking conversation about the future of sedation.Register today!This virtual focus group is sponsored by SedAssure.
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The Private Equity Stakeholder Project today released a new research brief, Private Equity in Ambulatory Surgical Centers, authored by researcher Michael Fenne. The report details how private equity firms have expanded into the $30 billion ambulatory surgery center sector, reshaping outpatient care delivery through consolidation, leveraged buyouts, and opaque joint ventures.
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Private Equity Stakeholder Project (10/08/25)
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When cases require IONM, SpecialtyCare is the partner you can count on. Our nationwide network of expert neurophysiologists ensures reliable coverage for your ASC, even in complex cases. We seamlessly integrate with your surgical teams to provide consistent, expert monitoring—reducing risk, avoiding costly complications, and supporting your surgeons when it matters most.
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Renew your ASCA membership online today! With your membership comes a variety of benefits that help you run your ASC more efficiently, provide quality patient care, and stay up to date on industry trends and regulations. Your membership also includes complimentary access to all of ASCA’s virtual education programs and—new in 2026—ASCA’s Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey. Not yet a member? Join now!
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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Procision's AI Voice for Pre-Op CallsPre-operative calls are essential for patient safety and surgical readiness — but they place a heavy burden on clinical staff. Procision’s new AI Voice Assistant offers a smarter, scalable way to handle these calls while maintaining a personal, voice-first experience for patients.Click here for full article and more details.
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To better understand health systems’ shifting ambulatory care strategies, the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC worked with KLAS Research to survey health care leaders from midsize and large integrated health systems across the U.S. Our new report — “Moving Outside the Hospital: Ambulatory Care Strategies at Leading Health Systems” — explains how health systems are organizing and evolving their ambulatory care strategies in today’s health care environment.
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UPMC Enterprises (10/06/25)
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Expertise for every phase of the journey
Your ASC should reflect your vision—innovative, efficient and built for success. We provide deep expertise during every phase – planning, execution and beyond – to help ensure there aren’t any missteps during the journey. Request a copy of Stryker’s ASC New Build Playbook today.
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In this ASCA Audio Update, ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice explains the impasse that led to the federal government shutdown, its impact on Medicare reimbursements and administration, and the health policy issues still in contention. Since no one can predict when or how the government closure will be resolved, ASCA members are encouraged to tune in to this and future ASCA communications to stay fully informed and up to date with the unfolding events. |
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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The top senator on healthcare policy is taking a hard look at the American Medical Association’s “anti-patient and anti-doctor” handling of the healthcare system’s near-ubiquitous billing and claims processing codes. Bill Cassidy, M.D., R-Louisiana, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, chastised the nation’s leading physician association for “abusing” the Current Procedural Terminology coding system and said he will be “actively reviewing” the issue.
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Fierce Healthcare (10/08/25) Dave Muoio
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In the latest episode of ASCA’s Advancing Surgical Care Podcast, ASCA Chief Executive Officer Bill Prentice talks with Beth LaBouyer, executive director of the California Ambulatory Surgery Association, about her impending retirement at the end of this year. In this poignant conversation, she shares her approach to leadership and advocacy, her thoughts about the future challenges and opportunities in the ASC community—at both the state and federal levels—the advent of artificial intelligence in ASCs, and more. Listen now! |
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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This week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that aims to curb predatory investing in healthcare by setting some new rules for how private equity groups and hedge funds can operate patient care clinics in the state. Senate Bill 351 regulates private equity investments in primary physician practices, dental care businesses and specialty care clinics, requiring entities that acquire patient care groups to comply with laws improving labor rights and care quality.
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HealthExec (10/09/25) Chad Van Alstin
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Data submission for the third quarter (Q3) of ASCA’s 2025 Clinical & Operational Benchmarking Survey is now open and will close Friday, October 31. This valuable online resource provides data you can use to improve clinical outcomes, staff indicators, billing performance and more at your facility. If you haven’t already, subscribe or submit your data today to receive valuable comparison data. ASCA members save $150 on survey subscriptions. |
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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[Colorectal cancer] screening utilization shifted significantly from 2017 to 2023, with increased colonoscopy and mt-sDNA use and a marked decline in FIT/FOBT. Continued monitoring is critical to ensure equitable access to effective modalities.
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Current Medical Research and Opinion (10/02/25) Mallik Greene; Shrey Gohil; Brad Stieber; et al.
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Get to know ASCA’s Board of Directors through the ASC Focus series of Q&A interviews. Read this Digital Debut to learn more about Lisa Cooper, ASCA Board member and chief executive officer of Santa Cruz Surgery Center in Santa Cruz, California. |
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ASCA Content (10/15/25)
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About ASCAMission: 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. Follow ASCA on
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