Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) volumes continue to increase as the healthcare industry shifts its focus for growth and care delivery innovation to non-hospital sites. But traditionally, health systems have preferred to keep cases in the hospital to ensure greater reimbursement. As a result, most health systems currently have a limited ASC presence.

Given the continued growth of procedures in the ASC setting, health systems need to consider their ASC footprint more proactively, especially for surgical specialties core to the health system’s business. For health systems new to owning or operating ASCs, we offer four items to consider as they evaluate ASC opportunities.