The results of the study are based on hospital, ASC and market characteristics from 1997-2006. According to the report, when an ASC is located close to a rural hospital, the two facilities are more likely to partner. The partnership can result in increased business for the hospital, as patients opt for surgical services provided by the ASC. The study concludes that restricting ASC growth should be discouraged because ASCs offer a low-cost alternative.
The study also indicates that ASCs are growing in rural markets, while urban markets are becoming saturated.
Read the final report from the Upper Midwest Rural Health Research Center (pdf).
Read more on the relationship between hospitals and ASCs:
–8 Observations About Hospital-Physician Joint Venture Surgery Centers
–New $31M North Carolina Surgery Center Under Development in Randolph
