Leadership

CNBC ranked America's top states for business based on several categories, including the cost of doing business, access to capital and business friendliness.

Although some leaders say ASC independence has "seen its better days," others see it as key to long-term success. 

Easton-based University of Maryland Shore Regional Health named ASC nurse Emily Uyttewaal, RN, its 2021 nurse of the year, local NBC affiliate KVPI reported July 10. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the migration of procedures to the outpatient setting, leaving ASC leaders balancing changes in both procedure volume and pandemic policy in the past year. 

The pandemic accelerated the quantity and complexity of procedures performed in ASCs, leading to an increase in partnerships and consolidation in the industry.

Here are 10 ASC administrators to know:

For some leaders, independence is critical to ASC success — fostering adaptability, innovation and cost containment. For others, independence is unsustainable in the current market. 

The power of hospital consolidation and recruiting staff continue to threaten ASC profitability in 2021. Here are the three biggest external risks to ASCs, according to eight leaders:

Adding a service line requires a well-thought-out strategy in staff recruitment, equipment consolidation and education, according to one ASC nurse manager.

Referral patterns are changing for ASCs as physician groups join health systems and payers narrow their networks.