ASCA

The ASC Quality Collaboration (ASCQC) brings together leaders from across the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) community – such as associations like the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), accrediting organizations, management companies and state associations – to advance patient safety and quality of care in surgery centers.

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) will experience meaningful expansion this year, but the growth will be slow and gradual. Market dynamics and government policies will play an important role and result in an uneven growth. The healthcare industry as a whole is in transition with growing emphasis on cost-effective, high-quality and patient-centric care delivered outside traditional hospital settings. Consequently, ASCs have emerged as one of the most dynamic segments of modern healthcare delivery.

The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) market evolved markedly in 2025. Many centers expanded service lines to add spine, cardiovascular or total joint procedures and adopted technologies, such as robotics, AI, telehealth and advanced electronic health records.

One World Surgery (OWS) opened the first ASC in the Dominican Republic (DR) this summer. ASCA has been a supporter of OWS since it opened its first ASC in 2008 in Honduras. We have been a part of OWS’s journey through the highs and lows and in expanding the organization’s impact over the years.

With the rising demand for outpatient procedures and the need for high-quality, cost-effective care, ASCA’s advocacy efforts are critical in shaping policies, influencing regulations and ensuring that ASCs continue to thrive and provide essential services to millions of patients each year.

ASCA is the leading advocate for the growth, success and sustainability of surgery centers across the U.S. ASCs have become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, providing cost-effective and high-quality outpatient care for millions of patients each year. Given what we know about the interests of the new administration concerning healthcare, we think our 2025 public policy priorities are well-positioned for serious consideration as the year progresses.