Cardiac ablation volume rose sharply in 2025, the same year CMS cleared the procedure for ASCs, according to MedAxiom’s 2026 “Cardiovascular Provider Compensation and Production Survey.”
Ablations per 1,000 patients rose 29% in one year. Per electrophysiologist, they climbed from 131 to 185, a 41% increase. Left atrial appendage occlusion procedures doubled from 1.9 to 3.8 per 1,000 patients between 2021 and 2025, and advanced imaging rose 36%. Cardiac catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions stayed flat.
The growth lines up with a policy shift that took effect this year. In the calendar year 2026 outpatient prospective payment system and ASC final rule, CMS added cardiac catheter ablation to the ASC covered procedures list, after years of advocacy from the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Rhythm Society and others. CMS had previously held off because of concerns the procedures were too complex or risky for the setting. Medicare began covering ablations performed in ASCs, including supraventricular tachycardia and pulmonary vein isolation procedures Jan. 1.
More cardiology volume may follow. CMS’ calendar year 2027 proposed rule, released July 2, would add 618 procedures to the ASC covered procedures list. The agency plans to remove the cardiovascular family of services from the inpatient-only list in 2028 because of their clinical complexity. The final rule is typically released in November.
The proposed rule also touches imaging, one of the fastest-growing categories in the MedAxiom data. It would pay off-campus imaging services at the physician fee schedule rate.
For ASCs weighing cardiology, the MedAxiom data carries one more relevant detail: its compensation figures exclude income from ASC or hospital ownership, so cardiologists with surgery center stakes likely earn more than the survey’s medians show.
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.
