Over the past decade, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) have gained traction in the outpatient market. These centers continue to perform more than half of all U.S. outpatient surgical procedures and can expect to see greater volumes as the number of outpatient procedures increases by an estimated 15% by 2028. According to the Fortune Business Insights report, the United States ambulatory surgical centers market size is estimated to reach $58.85 billion by 2028. The primary reason for anticipated growth is that a surgery can be performed in ASCs at a fraction of the cost when performed in a hospital. A study done by UnitedHealth Group found that payers could reduce surgical costs by upwards of 59% by directing members away from hospital settings and into ASCs.
Trends
- Procedures are projected to grow 25% at ASCs and 18% at both hospital outpatient departments and physician offices.
- Hospitals have been setting up ambulatory doctor offices on their own campuses and receiving less of their income from inpatient services.
- Hospitals have been acquiring more outpatient facilities and physician practices to gain market share.
- More minimally invasive surgical procedures performed on an inpatient basis have shifted to outpatient facilities.
- A rapid expansion and innovation in medical technology has contributed to the rise in outpatient care.
- Demand for outpatient care has grown in such areas as diagnostic and ultrasound services, cardiac catheterization, spinal, bariatric, and cataract surgeries.
Surgery centers are the future for reducing healthcare costs in America. Hospitals should focus on the more severe cases and shift the minimally invasive procedures to an outpatient setting.
