What is an ASC?

Ambulatory Surgery Centers—known as ASCs—are modern health care 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. Click here to learn more about the quality of care that ASCs provide.

For more information read the following reports:

Ambulatory Surgery Centers: A Positive Trend in Health Care

An Analysis of Recent Growth of Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Specialties Served in ASCs

What ASCs Are Not

ASCs are not rural health clinics, urgent care centers or ambulatory care centers that provide diagnostic or primary health care services.

ASCs treat only patients who have already seen a health care provider and selected surgery as the appropriate treatment for their condition.

ASCs are not physicians’ offices either. All ASCs must have at least one dedicated operating room and the equipment needed to perform surgery safely and ensure quality patient care.

Additional Resources:

• Find an ASC

• Number of ASCs per State

• History of ASCs

• Surgical Care Stories

• Economic Impact

• Innovative Practices

 From: Advancing Surgical Care