Eighty-seven percent expect 2026 financial performance to be similar to or better than 2025, but challenges persist, according to a VMG Health report released Oct. 9.
VMG Health surveyed 97 ASC leaders in September from both independently owned and joint venture centers.
Here are four key takeaways for ASCs in 2026 from the VMG Health:
1. Physician growth remains a top priority
Recruiting and retaining physicians will be an ongoing hurdle. More than a third of respondents expect physician staffing to be one of their biggest operational challenges next year, while nearly two-thirds said adding new surgeons will be a key financial investment area.
2. Anesthesia pressures continue to climb
Anesthesia remains one of the most pressing financial issues for ASCs. Sixty-seven percent of leaders ranked anesthesia coverage as a top concern for 2026, and expectations to pay anesthesia stipends jumped from 28% in 2024 to 44% in 2025, signaling more financial strain ahead.
3. Capital procurement gains new urgency
More ASCs are prioritizing capital procurement, with 31% saying it will be a major strategic focus in 2026, up from 20% the year before. Meanwhile, fewer centers plan to expand facilities, dropping from 26% to 20%, suggesting leaders are prioritizing smarter reinvestment over physical growth.
4. Independent centers are weighing new partnerships
Ten percent of independent ASC leaders anticipate selling in 2026, nearly double last year’s figure, and 71% would consider partnering with a health system, up from 57%. The shift signals that more stand-alone centers may seek alignment to weather economic and workforce pressures.
