ASCs completed prior authorization on 32% of cases that required it in 2025, according to HST Pathways’ 2026 State of the ASC Industry Report.
The report draws on data from 682 surgery centers in 45 states.
Here are five things to know:
1. Of the cases that required pre-authorization, 264,208 completed it in 2025 and 567,544 did not.
2. The completion rate rose from 21% in 2023 to 26% in 2024 and 32% in 2025, an 11-point gain over two years.
3. Across all cases, 59% completed pre-authorization in 2025, up from 42% in 2023 and 50% in 2024.
4. Insurance payers are using more automation and AI to scrutinize and deny cases, the report said. Insurance issues accounted for 4.7% of case cancellations with a recorded reason in 2025.
5. The physician’s office should get any required pre-authorization and send it to the surgery center through a software integration, the report said. The ASC should then verify that authorization and contact the payer to get its own. One of the report’s suggested KPIs is the number of procedures that required pre-authorization but didn’t get it.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
