ASCs are undergoing rapid transformation as technology, policy and clinical innovation converge to expand what procedures can safely and efficiently be performed in outpatient settings.
Two leaders joined Becker’s to discuss the advancements they see as most influential
Editor’s note: These answers were edited lightly for clarity and flow.
Question: What advancements — whether in technology, clinical practice, or operations — are moving the needle most for outpatient and ASC care?
Tracy Helmer, BSN, RN. Administrator of Tri City Cardiology Surgical Center (Mesa, Ariz.): The biggest contributor to progress right now is the application of AI. For example, AI-based improvements in workflows for efficiency throughout our compliance systems, EMRs, scheduling, credentialing, etc. These are helping us become more efficient and productive. Additionally the use of AI-driven clinical application is driving practice through real-time benefits. We see it in several areas within the cardiology space already, helping interventionalists make decisions as they operate. All of this creates benefits that naturally align with safer, more efficient outpatient-friendly care.
Allyn Wilcock, CRNA. Owner of Advanced Anesthesia Services and Northwest Healing and Wellness (Snoqualmie, Wash.): The No Pain Act of 2025, combined with the addition of several new billing codes for the ambulatory surgery combined will encourage even more procedures to move into the ambulatory setting. Our practice has seen an increase in the number of orthopedic cases we deliver anesthesia for, along with a dramatic increase in regional anesthetics, including expanding use of pain catheters and pumps. This move to outpatient settings for specialties including spine and orthopedic procedures will continue to increase over the coming years, increasing demand for skilled outpatient anesthesia providers.
