What is an ASC?

Ambulatory surgery centers, or ASCs, are modern healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. ASCs have transformed the outpatient experience for millions of Americans by providing them with a more convenient alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures—and done so with a strong track record of quality care and positive patient outcomes. Learn more about the quality of care that ASCs provide.

Specialties Served in ASCs

Medicare-Certified ASCs by Specialty Type, December 2022

Single-Specialty, Medicare-Certified ASCs by Specialty Type, December 2022

Multi-Specialty, Medicare-Certified ASCs by Specialty Type, December 2022

The ASC Experience Video Speaker

The ASC Experience

Watch and listen to recent outpatient surgery patients describe, in their own words, their personal experiences in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

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physician with white coat

Benefits of Physician Ownership

In the ASC setting, physicians can schedule procedures more conveniently for patients, assemble teams of specially trained and highly skilled staff, ensure that the equipment and supplies being used are best-suited to their techniques and design facilities tailored to their specialties.

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John Ford, MD, giving anesthesia, 1970

Over Fifty Years of Quality Outpatient Care

The first ASC opened for business on February 12, 1970. Read more about the history of the ASC community from inception to present day.

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