Leadership

The number of independent physicians has been on a steady decline — around 108,700 physicians left private practice for employment between 2019 and 2021, according to a report from Avalere.

The recent minimum wage increase in California has presented financial challenges for many ASCs, forcing smaller physician-owned practices to compete with larger hospitals and organizations for staff.

Many ASC leaders see the implementation of developing technologies — such as robotic surgeries and AI-assisted platforms — as a key element of ASC growth over the next five years. 

As physician employment shifts increasingly toward hospital and private equity-backed models, independent practices face mounting pressures. 

A new report from Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com reveals that only 21% of physicians would recommend a medical career to young people, and just 32% would choose the profession again.

ASCs and hospitals both serve vital roles in the healthcare system, but their approaches to operations, accountability and patient experience often differ drastically. 

Large healthcare groups are shifting their ASC strategy, favoring partnerships with surgery centers and physician practices over direct investments, Jeffrey Flynn, administrator and COO of New York City-based Gramercy Surgery Center and president of the New York State Association of…

 Three of the five highest-paid executives of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare saw pay jumps in 2024, according to a proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Despite ongoing financial pressures in the healthcare industry, ASCs remain a resilient and growing force. While some predict financial constraints will drive consolidation, many industry leaders are confident ASCs will continue to thrive.

Physician autonomy is top of mind for many healthcare leaders as the number of independent physicians dwindles.