Why More Physicians Are Choosing Ambulatory Surgery Centers in 2026

Healthcare is changing—and so is the way surgeries are delivered.

As technology advances and more procedures become safely performed in an outpatient setting, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continue to grow as a preferred option for physicians and patients alike. The reasons are simple: efficiency, quality, affordability, and a better overall experience.

The Shift Toward Outpatient Care

Today, more procedures than ever can be performed safely without an overnight hospital stay. As a result, physicians are increasingly looking for surgical environments that allow them to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional patient care.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

• More than 6,000 Medicare-certified ASCs are operating across the United States.
• CMS continues to expand and support outpatient surgical care through annual payment updates and quality reporting programs.
• Every ASC participating in Medicare must report quality measures that track patient outcomes, including unplanned hospital visits and surgical safety.

Why Physicians Prefer the ASC Model

While every practice is unique, physicians consistently cite several advantages of operating in an ambulatory surgery center.

Greater Scheduling Efficiency

One of the biggest frustrations in healthcare is unpredictability. Delays, rescheduled cases, and lengthy turnover times can impact both physicians and patients.

Many ASCs are intentionally designed around:

• More predictable operating room schedules
• Efficient patient flow
• Faster room turnover
• Dedicated surgical teams

The result is less waiting and more time spent caring for patients.

Better Value for Patients

Patients also benefit from the ASC model.

Compared to hospital outpatient departments, ASCs frequently provide the same approved outpatient procedures at a significantly lower cost.

In fact:

• Medicare paid ASCs an average of just 62% of what it paid hospital outpatient departments for the same procedures in 2024.
• Between 2019 and 2024, ambulatory surgery centers saved the Medicare program approximately $27.9 billion.
• In 2024 alone, ASCs generated more than $5.1 billion in Medicare savings.

Those savings help reduce overall healthcare spending while maintaining high standards of care.

Quality Remains the Priority

Lower costs do not mean lower standards.

ASCs participating in Medicare are measured on multiple quality indicators, including:

• Patient safety
• Surgical complications
• Unplanned hospital visits
• Infection prevention
• Quality reporting compliance

These national reporting programs help ensure facilities continually monitor and improve patient outcomes.

What Physicians Should Look for in an ASC

Not all surgery centers operate the same way.

When evaluating a surgical partner, physicians should consider:

• Consistent on-time case starts
• Experienced clinical staff
• Reliable block scheduling
• Modern equipment and technology
• Efficient communication between office and surgery center
• A culture centered on physician collaboration and patient care

The right ASC doesn’t just support successful surgeries—it supports a more efficient practice.

Looking Ahead

The outpatient surgery landscape continues to evolve, and ambulatory surgery centers are playing an increasingly important role in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care.

For physicians, choosing the right ASC means partnering with a team that values efficiency, collaboration, and exceptional patient outcomes.

At Innovia Surgery Center, we’re committed to creating an environment where physicians can operate confidently and patients receive the personalized, high-quality care they deserve.