The ASC industry is rapidly expanding as hospitals, health systems, physicians and other healthcare stakeholders look for new ways to expand access to services while improving patient satisfaction.
ASCs are commanding the highest rent increases of any outpatient facility type, with rents climbing more than 8% even as leases surged 145% between 2022 and 2025, according to a March 26 report from real estate company CBRE, a sign of persistent demand for standalone outpatient facilities.
Given the specialized nature of ASCs, their design and infrastructure must be carefully planned and executed to balance equipment and technology needs, efficiency and patient experience.
An April 21 report published by Bham Now, highlights the approach of one architecture firm in Birmingham, Ala., in its design of Birmingham Heart & Vascular Surgery Center, a joint venture between Birmingham Heart Clinic, UAB MEdicine and US Heart & Vascular.
“What initially drew us to Birchfield Penuel Architects was their strong reputation for healthcare design and their ability to balance clinical efficiency with a patient-centered approach,” Ryan McClanahan, regional president of US Heart & Vascular, said in the report. “They demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities involved in ASCs, particularly cardiovascular environments where precision and workflow are critical. “
Since the ASC is located within an existing facility, BPAs chal;enge was to fit a highly technical surgical environment into an existing building designed for a different purpose.
“In surgery center design, the number of operating rooms drives everything. Once we established that this facility required three operating rooms, we were able to build the entire program around that decision,” Stacy Williams, senior associate of BPA said in the report. “From there, we worked with the client to align the design with two primary goals: creating a streamlined patient experience and ensuring staff could work as efficiently as possible.”
The firm also emphasized the need to create a calm and supportive environment for patients, which meant maximizing natural light in patient and staff areas.
“As a result, nearly every patient bay has access to daylight, which helps reduce patient stress and improves the working environment for staff,” Ms. Williams said.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.