February 2025 Issue of Becker’s ASC Review
ON THE COVER
11 states adding the most ASCs
The number of ASCs across the U.S. is growing, and particularly so in California, Florida and Georgia.
New year, same problems facing ASCs
While 2025 brings possible changes to policies and economics facing ASCs, some centers are facing an intensification of the same problems they have been facing for years.
The private practice gamble
As consolidation continues to climb across healthcare and more physicians find themselves working for hospitals and large health systems, physician autonomy persists as a central concern among physicians in employed settings.
What ASC-hospital joint ventures are doing right
The dynamics of ASC-hospital have changed as hospitals have become increasingly interested in pursuing outpatient ventures. This often takes the form of joint ventures with existing ASCs.
The next 5 years for ASC growth
ASC leaders are optimistic about the future, citing opportunities for growth over the next five years, including the migration of cardiology procedures to ASCs and increasing patient interest.
Optum earned $253B in 2024
UnitedHealth Group’s Optum, parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, earned $253 billion in total revenue in 2024 — an 11.7% increase year over year, according to a fourth-quarter 2024 financial report.
2 tips for spine surgeon, payer conversations in 2025
A continuing pain point for spine and orthopedic surgeons is prior authorizations and working with payers to get patients’ care covered.
Number of female GIs grows 219% in 18 years
From 2004 to 2022, the number of women in the active physician workforce increased 97%, while the number of men increased 13%.
Why health system C-suites are nervous about 2030
Hospitals and health systems are in the midst of financial recovery after the pandemic, but potentially bigger challenges loom in the next five years.
How will the economy affect ASCs in 2025?
Here are three ASC leaders’ predictions of how the economy will affect ASCs in 2025.
ASC MANAGEMENT
New year, same problems facing ASCs
While 2025 brings possible changes to policies and economics facing ASCs, some centers are facing an intensification of the same problems they have been facing for years.
11 states adding the most ASCs
The number of ASCs across the U.S. is growing, and particularly so in California, Florida and Georgia.
How will the economy affect ASCs in 2025?
Here are three ASC leaders’ predictions of how the economy will affect ASCs in 2025.
Where ASCs are contracting
The state of Washington lost the most ASCs over the last two years and seven other states reported losses since December 2022, according to CMS data.
USPI to pay nearly $1.5M to settle class action lawsuit
United Surgical Partners International, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare’s ASC arm, has agreed to pay $1.48 million to settle a proposed class action suit alleging the company’s 401(k) plan violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, according to court documents obtained by Becker’s.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The next 5 years for ASC growth
ASC leaders are optimistic about the future, citing opportunities for growth over the next five years, including the migration of cardiology procedures to ASCs and increasing patient interest.
ASC leaders’ pros and cons of private equity in the industry
Here are what three ASC leaders outlined as pros and cons of private equity in the ASC industry:
ORTHOPEDICS
Spine surgery’s boons
The advancements in total disc replacement and minimally invasive spine surgery pose strong opportunities for the specialty amid ongoing healthcare challenges, Robert McLain, MD, said.
2 tips for spine surgeon, payer conversations in 2025
A continuing pain point for spine and orthopedic surgeons is prior authorizations and working with payers to get patients’ care covered.
Why orthopedic practices should embrace non-traditional healthcare coverage
Orthopedic and spine surgeons alike are finding that patients are growing increasingly frustrated with traditional insurance models.
GASTROENTROLOGY
GI’s changing regulatory landscape
The last 12 months saw major regulatory changes for the field of gastroenterology, from new FDA approvals to sweeping statewide and national legislation.
Number of female GIs grows 219% in 18 years
From 2004 to 2022, the number of women in the active physician workforce increased 97%, while the number of men increased 13%.
Where do independent GIs stand in 2025?
Rising practice costs and increased consolidation across healthcare have made it more difficult for gastroenterologists to maintain independent practices.
What will make or break gastroenterology in 2025?
From prior authorization burdens to the advent of new AI, three gastroenterology specialists spoke with Becker’s about the key factors that will make or break the field of GI in 2025.
TRANSACTIONS
What ASC-hospital joint ventures are doing right
The dynamics of ASC-hospital have changed as hospitals have become increasingly interested in pursuing outpatient ventures. This often takes the form of joint ventures with existing ASCs.
Real estate firms launch $150M ASC joint venture
Fort Street Partners and Chestnut Healthcare Real Estate have formed a joint venture to acquire and develop $150 million in outpatient medical and surgery centers over the next four years, according to a Jan. 3 report from the Commercial Property Executive.
AMSURG acquires Texas ASC
AMSURG has acquired a majority ownership interest in Texarkana (Texas) Surgery Center.
Where hospitals, health systems fall short in ASC joint ventures
The ASC industry is facing increased consolidation as some ASCs look to partnerships with hospitals and health systems to stay afloat in a challenging economic climate.
Hospital execs see growth potential in ASC JVs
A growing number of hospital leaders are exploring ASCs as a pathway for growth, with 63% open to joint ventures in outpatient surgery ventures, according to a report from VMG Health published Jan. 9.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Why health system C-suites are nervous about 2030
Hospitals and health systems are in the midst of financial recovery after the pandemic, but potentially bigger challenges loom in the next five years.
Why Hospital for Special Surgery created a new C-suite tech role
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery established a new C-suite role when it appointed Ashis Barad, MD, chief digital and technology officer in September.
The double-edged sword of AI and cybersecurity
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, Kristin Myers, executive vice president and chief digital officer of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, sees immense potential for AI to transform healthcare cybersecurity — though not without its challenges.
