ASC INDUSTRY NEWS
July 2025
Budget Cuts Threaten to Deepen Nursing Crisis and Undermine U.S. Healthcare System
In the midst of an existing nursing shortage, proposed legislation could cut funding for nursing education, exacerbating the issue. A portion of the Trump administration’s proposed budget is the elimination of Title VIII,which allocates federal funds towards nursing education, and the dismantling of the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR). These cuts and additional cuts to Medicaid could create deficits in nurse training, research, and ultimately, healthcare system infrastructure.
Source: ASCA
Ascension to Acquire AMSURG in ASC Blockbuster Deal
Ascension Healthcare is in final talks to acquire AMSURG. This deal will expand the Catholic non-profit’s network by 250 ambulatory surgery centers across 34 states. This acquisition will enable Ascension to deliver care at the community level, which aligns with the company’s mission to “deliver affordable care locally, especially to those most in need.” Once the deal is finalized, AMSURG will retain the physician-led model and retain its current governance structure.
Source: ASC News
Breach Affecting More Than 88,000 People
In an effort to cut costs, many hospital systems are looking to enter the ASC space. As the entire market pushes for lower cost options, hospital administrators begin to consider the conversion of HOPDs to ASCs. While this shift seems intuitive and simple, administrators are learning it is far more complex than it appears. Compliance and regulatory standards, building codes, and leaner staffing ratios are just a few of the hurdles hospitals would face to such transitions.
Source: ASC News
Claim checks all ASCs should have built in
Mistakes in claims can lead to costly loss of revenues for ASCs and health systems alike. Becker’s ASC interviews a surgical center administrator who recommends multiple steps and checks to ensure revenue isn’t left on the table. Verification of modifiers, implant logs vs charges, and authorized vs performed codes are just a few of the checks suggested in this review.
Source: Becker’s ASC
The innovations exciting anesthesia leaders
Multiple anesthesia providers from across the country share developments in their field from the evolution of AI and advancements in regional anesthesia techniques.
As AI continues to shift the landscape of healthcare, anesthesia providers are enthused by the potentially positive impact AI may have on the way anesthesia care is delivered. AI-driven scheduling and analytics are transforming operations to optimize staffing and room utilization. Additionally, advancements in regional anesthesia techniques are allowing for a significant reduction in the use of opioids for multiple surgical procedures. These developments have improved patient experience and been associated with faster recovery and fewer side effects.
Source: Becker’s ASC
