CMS released the 2026 proposed payment rule for hospital outpatient departments and ASCs on July 15.
The proposal included the addition of 276 procedures to the covered procedures list for ASCs, including cardiac catheter ablation procedures — a significant point of efforts by the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Rhythm Society and other stakeholders in the specialty, according to a July 15 news release by the ACC.
This marks another tailwind for the growth of outpatient cardiovascular care, specifically related to the development of outpatient cardiac catheterization labs.
Outpatient cath labs have been a significant point of growth for ASCs, outpatient cardiology practices and hospital outpatient departments. According to a late 2024 blog post by Ascendient, a healthcare consulting firm, cardiac catheterizations are used more than 1 million times per year in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Becker’s has reported on at least 10 new cardiology practices and ASCs that have been opened or announced so far in 2025, and many of them feature cardiac catheterization labs. This development push has been driven in large part by new technologies that have made outpatient cardiovascular procedures safer and more accessible in recent years.
“The proposed addition of electrophysiology procedures, particularly catheter ablations and device implants, will have the most significant impact on ASC growth over the next five years,” Ed Tolentino, administrator of Outpatient Surgery Center of Central Florida in Wildwood, told Becker’s. “These are high-acuity, high-reimbursement procedures that have traditionally been limited to the hospital setting. The movement of these cases into the ASC environment is a natural evolution driven by advancements in technology, improved patient selection criteria, and the overarching push toward cost-efficiency in healthcare.”
However, leaders of ASCs and other outpatient cardiovascular facilities will need to examine their approach to patient mix and ensure their ability to manage a potential influx of high acuity procedures.
“ASCs must be thoughtful about their infrastructure, credentialing and readiness to handle these complex procedures,” Mr. Tolentino added. “For centers that are willing to invest and align with experienced providers, this shift represents a major opportunity for strategic growth and long-term sustainability.”
