Ascension has announced that it is acquiring AmSurg and its 250 ambulatory surgery centers across 34 states.
The Catholic, nonprofit health system said the transaction will significantly expand its ability to deliver care in community-based settings.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Along with the convenience, ambulatory surgery centers offer a lower cost alternative to inpatient care. The centers specialize in gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and other services.
"With this expansion, Ascension is deepening its commitment to delivering care that meets individuals where they are, in settings that are more accessible, more efficient and more responsive to patients' evolving preferences and needs," Ascension said.
Ascension said it intends to continue the AmSurg model of physician-led joint ventures and governance. This ensures that clinical leadership remains central to each center's success and that physicians are empowered to shape the delivery of care in their communities, the health system said.
Ascension has been selling hospitals, including the recent transaction to sell eight in Illinois to Prime Healthcare.
Strategically, Ascension is taking a thoughtful approach to rightsizing its operational footprint and reallocating resources to better align with how and where care is being delivered across the country, it said of the AmSurg acquisition.
THE LARGER TREND
The ambulatory surgical center market, aided by AI and analytics, is growing.
In January, Technavio estimated that the global ASC market size was estimated to grow by $25.4 billion from 2024-2028, with cataract ambulatory surgeries leading the way.
ResearchandMarkets said orthopedics accounted for the largest ASC revenue share of 26.7% in 2024. The integration of AI-driven platforms and advanced analytics to enhance care coordination and surgical outcomes is a key driver, the report said.
In May, Cleveland Clinic partnered with Regent Surgical for reduced expenses for insurers and patients through expanded access to cost-effective outpatient ASC procedures.
Cleveland Clinic and Regent said they plan to develop future ASC locations in U.S. markets, with the health system the majority owner of the joint venture.
In February, Tenet Healthcare's strong Q4 revenue and income results were driven in large part by its partnership and growth in ambulatory surgery centers. Tenet partners with United Surgical Partners International (USPI), among the largest ambulatory surgery platforms in the United States.
ON THE RECORD
"The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, and Ascension is leading the way in adapting to that change," said Ascension President Eduardo Conrado. "The shift from inpatient to outpatient care is accelerating nationwide."
"This acquisition is deeply aligned with Ascension's mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, especially those most in need," said Ascension CEO Joe Impicciche. "It reflects our steadfast commitment to expanding access to care in a way that is more affordable, more local and more centered around the dignity and well-being of those we serve."
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org