January/February 2026 Issue of Becker’s ASC Review
On The Cover
The next wave of ASC opportunities
ASCs are entering a new phase of growth driven by new care pathways, staffing models and site-of-care shifts.
The ‘rising tide’ that will define ASCs in 2026
The increased use of AI agents, advancements in robotic surgery and the rise of orthopedic and spine ASCs are among the most important trends this ASC administrator is following.
An ASC administrator’s roadmap to curbing rising healthcare costs
Joe Peluso, an administrator at Greensburg, Pa.-based Aestique Surgery Center, joined Becker’s to discuss how the U.S. healthcare system is entering a period of major change, but warned rising costs are outpacing improvements in coverage and innovation.
How ASCs can solve the rising cost equation
ASC leaders across the country are struggling to maintain margins as operational costs continue to climb faster than reimbursement can catch up.
The new outpatient spine advantage: Dr. Kern Singh
Kern Singh, MD, professor and chief of spine surgery at Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center, has been performing outpatient spine procedures for almost two decades, long enough to see the shift from edge-case to expectation.
5 GI leaders on what’s changing in colonoscopy
Colonoscopy remains a cornerstone of colorectal cancer prevention, but GI leaders say the procedure’s role, and the business model built around it, is shifting fast.
The new economics of ASC M&A
The dynamics shaping mergers and acquisitions within the ASC space are constantly shifting as corporate entities push consolidation efforts and independent practices seek new ways to partner and scale their operations.
Private equity’s healthcare strategy has shifted — these 5 deals explain why
Private equity remains active in healthcare, including in the ASC ecosystem, but the strategy is shifting.
Catholic Health CEO’s fast-slow approach to AI
AI strategy is pulling health system C-suites in opposite directions as technology evolves. They’re focused on moving quickly where value is clear, but slowing down to achieve governance, fiscal discipline and ethical oversight. Sometimes they’re aggressive to invest and roll out AI, while other times they’re more cautious and pulling back.
The payer problem ASCs say hurts patients most
ASC leaders say prior authorization has become the most damaging pain point in payer relationships, delaying care even after clinical decisions are made and surgeries are scheduled.
ASC Management
The next wave of ASC opportunities
ASCs are entering a new phase of growth driven by new care pathways, staffing models and site-of-care shifts.
The ‘rising tide’ that will define ASCs in 2026
The increased use of AI agents, advancements in robotic surgery and the rise of orthopedic and spine ASCs are among the most important trends this ASC administrator is following.
The payer problem ASCs say hurts patients most
ASC leaders say prior authorization has become the most damaging pain point in payer relationships, delaying care even after clinical decisions are made and surgeries are scheduled.
The biggest growth opportunities on ASCs’ horizons
As ASC platforms settle into 2026, the next phase of value creation is coming into focus.
The ASC industry’s broken data pipeline
In November, CMS finalized its Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System rule for 2026, which included the addition of 573 codes to the ASC Covered Procedures List.
Thought Leadership
An ASC administrator’s roadmap to curbing rising healthcare costs
Joe Peluso, an administrator at Greensburg, Pa.-based Aestique Surgery Center, joined Becker’s to discuss how the U.S. healthcare system is entering a period of major change, but warned rising costs are outpacing improvements in coverage and innovation.
What’s keeping this ASC CEO up at night in 2026
From shrinking anesthesia reimbursement to aggressive payer tactics, orthopedic groups and ASCs are heading into 2026 under mounting financial pressure.
3 ASC leaders on how consolidation is shifting the industry
ASC leaders continue to navigate a competitive ASC environment as hospitals, health systems and corporate interests become increasingly invested in the outpatient market.
How ASCs can solve the rising cost equation
ASC leaders across the country are struggling to maintain margins as operational costs continue to climb faster than reimbursement can catch up.
Orthopedics
Steindler Orthopedics’ CEO on what will dominate the conversation this year
From the continued orthopedic outpatient migration and increased independence for orthopedic groups to navigating growing demand for orthopedic services with tighter margins, there is a lot that orthopedic surgeons and leaders have on their plate in 2026.
The new outpatient spine advantage: Dr. Kern Singh
Kern Singh, MD, professor and chief of spine surgery at Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center, has been performing outpatient spine procedures for almost two decades, long enough to see the shift from edge-case to expectation.
What payers get wrong about musculoskeletal care
Musculoskeletal care is under growing pressures, from rising demand and flat reimbursement to care delays and payer denials.
Gastroenterology
5 GI leaders on what’s changing in colonoscopy
Colonoscopy remains a cornerstone of colorectal cancer prevention, but GI leaders say the procedure’s role, and the business model built around it, is shifting fast.
GI leaders name the biggest disruptors of 2026
From AI-assisted endoscopy and triage models to outpatient expansion, these are the disruptors gastroenterologists told Becker’s will define the specialty’s next chapter.
Gastroenterology’s growing list of threats
Gastroenterology practices face mounting pressure on multiple fronts, from Medicare reimbursement uncertainty to rising administrative workloads.
Transactions
Why value-based care is ‘no longer theoretical’ — and why ASCs need to catch up
As employers push patients to lower-cost sites of care and regulators nudge providers toward downside risk, value-based care is moving from theory to reality, and it is coming at “lightning speed,” according to Dan Tasset, founder and chairman of Leawood, Kan.-based ASC company NueHealth.
The new economics of ASC M&A
The dynamics shaping mergers and acquisitions within the ASC space are constantly shifting as corporate entities push consolidation efforts and independent practices seek new ways to partner and scale their operations.
OrthoCarolina CEO: When do JVs with hospitals make sense for ASCs?
The emergence of ASCs and outpatient facilities has some in the industry questioning if joint ventures with hospitals are totally necessary.
Private equity’s healthcare strategy has shifted — these 5 deals explain why
Private equity remains active in healthcare, including in the ASC ecosystem, but the strategy is shifting.
Healthcare News
The driving forces behind Providence’s transformation amid a ‘polycrisis’, per its CEO
When Erik Wexler became president and CEO of Providence in January, one factor was already working in his favor: the board’s decision to promote an internal candidate.
Catholic Health CEO’s fast-slow approach to AI
AI strategy is pulling health system C-suites in opposite directions as technology evolves. They’re focused on moving quickly where value is clear, but slowing down to achieve governance, fiscal discipline and ethical oversight. Sometimes they’re aggressive to invest and roll out AI, while other times they’re more cautious and pulling back.
What pharmacy leaders are scaling in 2026
Becker’s asked pharmacy leaders across the U.S. one question: What innovation are you looking to scale for 2026 — and why? Their answers reveal a sector doubling down on automation, access and operational resilience.
