Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Overview and Analysis

The Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) Market is experiencing significant growth, with valuations projected to reach between USD 163 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach to USD 231.76 billion by early 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2026 to 2033.

The Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) Market refers to the worldwide industry of outpatient healthcare facilities where surgical procedures are performed without overnight hospital stays. ASCs provide cost-effective, efficient surgical care for a wide range of specialties, including orthopedics, ophthalmology, gastroenterology and pain management. This market is driven by the growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, rising patient preference for outpatient care, and favorable healthcare reimbursement policies, particularly in developed regions. ASCs help reduce hospital burden, lower overall healthcare costs, and shorten patient recovery times, making them a vital component of modern healthcare delivery systems globally.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Latest Trends

Key trends in the global ASC market include a strong shift toward minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and costs, leading to increased patient preference for outpatient care settings. Multi-specialty ASCs are gaining traction, offering a broader range of services under one roof to attract more patients. Technological advancement such as robotic-assisted surgeries is expanding outpatient capabilities. Reimbursement reforms, especially in North America and parts of Europe, support the growing adoption of ASCs. Additionally, private equity investment and partnerships between physician groups and health systems are fueling rapid expansion and consolidation across regions.

Segmentation: The Global Hunting Lodge Market is segmented by Application (Orthopedics, Pain Management/Spinal Injections, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Dental, Podiatry and Other Applications), Ownership Outlook (Physician Owned, Hospital Owned and Corporate Owned), Center Type Outlook (Single-Specialty and Multi-Specialty), Services (Treatment and Diagnosis), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report provides the value (in USD million) for the above segments.

Market Drivers:

  • Rising Demand for Outpatient Procedures

A principal growth driver for the global ASC market is the increasing demand for outpatient surgical procedures as patients and payers seek cost-efficient and convenient care. Advances in surgical techniques allow many procedures previously requiring hospitalization to be safely conducted in outpatient settings, leading to shorter wait times, quicker recoveries, and reduced overall healthcare spending. Insurance reimbursement structures and healthcare policies increasingly favor outpatient procedures, incentivizing providers to adopt the ASC model. Strong demand for minimally invasive surgeries across specialties such as orthopedics and ophthalmology further supports market expansion, especially in developed healthcare systems.

  • Technological Advancements

Technological innovation is another critical driver in the ASC market. Adoption of advanced surgical equipment, including robot-assisted systems and digital health solutions, enhances procedural precision, safety, and efficiency in outpatient settings. These innovations enable ASCs to broaden the scope of surgeries they can perform and improve patient outcomes.

In August 2024, CMS approved separate reimbursement mechanisms allowing small hospitals to maintain adequate inventories of essential medications. While hospital-focused, the policy indirectly supports ambulatory surgical centers by improving regional pharmaceutical supply stability and reducing procurement disruptions that can impact outpatient surgical operations. Integration of electronic health records, telehealth for pre- and post-operative care, and remote patient monitoring further streamline workflows and enhance patient satisfaction. Investment in technology also helps ASCs differentiate their services, attract referrals, and respond to evolving healthcare demands globally.

Market Restraints

  • Regulatory and Operational Challenges

One major restraint limiting the global ASC market is the complexity of regulatory and reimbursement environments across countries. Regulatory compliance requirements, licensing hurdles, and accreditation standards vary widely, making market entry and expansion challenging for providers. Differences in reimbursement policies, especially for more advanced or specialized procedures, can restrict revenue potential and center profitability. Additionally, ASCs often face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled surgical professionals, particularly in remote or underserved regions, which can impact service offerings. These regulatory and operational barriers may slow market growth and increase costs for new and existing ambulatory surgical facilities.

  • Socioeconomic Impact on the Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market

The global ASC market positively influences healthcare affordability, accessibility, and employment. By offering outpatient surgical care at lower costs than hospitals, ASCs reduce patient financial burden and healthcare system expenditure. Increased use of ASCs helps alleviate hospital congestion and provides faster treatment options, particularly beneficial in aging populations with chronic conditions. The growth of ASCs stimulates job creation for healthcare professionals and support staff and encourages local economic development through healthcare infrastructure investment. However, uneven distribution of skilled professionals and infrastructure gaps in low-income regions can limit equitable access, underscoring ongoing challenges in balancing socioeconomic benefits worldwide.

Segmental Analysis:

  • Pain Management/Spinal Injections segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period

The pain management and spinal injections segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to the rising prevalence of chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and age-related spinal conditions. Increasing adoption of minimally invasive pain management procedures, such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks, is driving patient preference toward ambulatory surgical centers. These procedures require shorter recovery times, lower procedural risk, and reduced costs compared to hospital-based care. Growing awareness of non-opioid pain management solutions, favorable reimbursement policies for outpatient pain procedures, and technological advancements in imaging and injection techniques further support strong growth of this segment globally.

  • Physician Owned segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period

The physician-owned segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth over the forecast period due to increased physician preference for operational autonomy, financial incentives, and improved control over clinical workflows. Ownership allows physicians to optimize scheduling, enhance patient experience, and maintain consistent quality standards. Physician-owned ambulatory surgical centers often demonstrate higher efficiency and cost control, attracting both patients and payers. Additionally, alignment of financial and clinical interests encourages higher procedural volumes and investment in advanced technologies. Supportive regulatory frameworks in key markets and growing collaboration models between physicians and healthcare systems further accelerate expansion of physician-owned ASCs worldwide.

  • Multi-Specialty segment is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period

The multi-specialty segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period as these centers offer diversified services that maximize facility utilization and revenue generation. By providing multiple surgical specialties under one roof, multi-specialty ASCs improve operational efficiency and reduce dependency on a single procedure type. This model enhances patient convenience, enables cross-referrals among specialists, and supports better resource allocation. Rising demand for comprehensive outpatient care, combined with advancements that allow a broader range of procedures to be safely performed in ambulatory settings, is driving adoption. Investors and operators increasingly favor multi-specialty centers due to their scalability and financial resilience.

  • North American Region is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period

 North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period, driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and strong adoption of outpatient surgical care.

The region benefits from high awareness of ambulatory surgical centers, advanced medical technology, and a growing elderly population requiring surgical interventions. For instance, in November 2024, the state of Georgia enacted House Bill 1339, amending its Certificate of Need regulations and introducing new exemptions for ambulatory surgical centers effective July 1, 2024. The policy change lowers market entry barriers and enables rapid ASC expansion in areas previously constrained by restrictive regulatory oversight.

Rising healthcare costs in hospital settings have accelerated the shift toward cost-effective ASCs. For instance, in August 2024, CMS finalized revised Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System wage index values for fiscal year 2025. These adjustments influence reimbursement levels for hospital-owned ASCs and may reshape competitive dynamics, potentially narrowing or widening cost advantages relative to independent ambulatory surgical facilities.

Additionally, supportive regulatory frameworks, increasing physician ownership, and significant private equity investment are fueling market expansion. High procedure volumes, particularly in orthopedics, pain management, and ophthalmology, further reinforce North America’s leading growth position.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the global ASC market comprises both large healthcare systems and specialized ASC operators. The market features a mix of major network players managing hundreds of centers and smaller, independent facilities. In mature markets like North America and Europe, established operators leverage scale, physician partnerships, and advanced technology to maintain leadership positions. Competition focuses on service diversification, quality improvement, strategic acquisitions, and adoption of digital and robotic surgical tools. Fragmentation in emerging regions also creates opportunities for consolidation. New entrants include private equity-backed firms and tech-driven healthcare providers expanding outpatient surgical services.

The major players for this market are:

  • Tenet Healthcare Corporation
  • HCA Healthcare
  • United Surgical Partners International (USPI)
  • Surgery Partners
  • AmSurg
  • Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA Health)
  • Regent Surgical Health
  • National Surgical Healthcare
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America
  • Covenant Physician Partners
  • SurgCenter Development
  • Envision Healthcare
  • TeamHealth
  • Aspen Healthcare
  • Healthway Medical Group
  • Community Health Systems
  • Nueterra Capital
  • Mednax
  • Surgery Center Holdings
  • Constitution Surgery Alliance

Recent Development

  • In January 2025, CMS reported that 53.4% of Traditional Medicare beneficiaries are now aligned with accountable care arrangements, with a stated objective of reaching full participation by 2030. This milestone reinforces the federal shift toward value-based care models, which increasingly favor cost-efficient outpatient settings such as ambulatory surgical centers.

 

  • In December 2024, CMS updated its nomination framework for incorporating new procedures into the ASC covered procedures list. The refined process emphasizes transparency and stakeholder engagement, signaling greater regulatory flexibility and responsiveness. This change is expected to accelerate procedural expansion opportunities for ASCs and support broader outpatient migration of surgical services. 


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

Q1. What are the main growth-driving factors for this market?

The primary drivers include a significant shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery due to lower costs and shorter recovery times. Advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, an aging global population requiring more frequent procedures, and favorable reimbursement policies by healthcare payers are further accelerating the expansion of specialized surgical facilities worldwide.

Q2. What are the main restraining factors for this market?

Growth is primarily restricted by high initial setup costs and the expensive maintenance of advanced medical equipment. Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements and the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in certain regions pose challenges. Some patients also harbor concerns regarding the safety and emergency management capabilities of ASCs compared to hospitals.

Q3. Which segment is expected to witness high growth?

The orthopedic segment is expected to witness the highest growth, fueled by an increase in sports-related injuries and joint replacement procedures. Furthermore, multispecialty centers are gaining traction as they offer a wider range of services, including gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and pain management, providing a "one-stop" solution for diverse outpatient surgical needs.

Q4. Who are the top major players for this market?

Key industry leaders include Encompass Health Corporation, AmSurg (a subsidiary of Envision Healthcare), and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum (Surgical Care Affiliates). Other significant participants driving market competition and innovation include Tenet Healthcare Corporation (USPI), Surgery Partners, and HCA Healthcare, which consistently expand their footprints through strategic acquisitions and facility development.

Q5. Which country is the largest player?

The United States is the largest player, dominating the global market due to its mature healthcare infrastructure and the presence of numerous ASC facilities. This dominance is supported by a strong preference for cost-effective surgical options, high healthcare expenditure, and a regulatory environment that actively encourages the migration of surgeries.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Study Global Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

    1. Introduction

    • 1.1. Research Scope
    • 1.2. Market Segmentation
    • 1.3. Research Methodology
    • 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions

    2. Executive Summary

      3. Market Dynamics

      • 3.1. Market Drivers
      • 3.2. Market Restraints
      • 3.3. Market Opportunities

      4. Key Insights

      • 4.1. Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries
      • 4.2. Latest Technological Advancement
      • 4.3. Regulatory Landscape
      • 4.4. Industry SWOT Analysis
      • 4.5. Porters Five Forces Analysis

      5. Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

      • 5.1. Key Findings / Summary
      • 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Type
        • 5.2.1. Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery Centers
        • 5.2.2. Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
      • 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Center Speciality
        • 5.3.1. Single-specialty Centers
        • 5.3.2. Multi-specialty Centers
      • 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By End Users
        • 5.4.1. Dental
        • 5.4.2. Gastroenterology
        • 5.4.3. Ophthalmology
        • 5.4.4. Orthopedic
        • 5.4.5. Neurology
        • 5.4.6. Pediatric
        • 5.4.7. Others
      • 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Region
        • 5.5.1. North America
        • 5.5.2. Europe
        • 5.5.3. Asia Pacific
        • 5.5.4. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa

      6. North America Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

      • 6.1. Key Findings / Summary
      • 6.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Type
        • 6.2.1. Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery Centers
        • 6.2.2. Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
      • 6.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Center Speciality
        • 6.3.1. Single-specialty Centers
        • 6.3.2. Multi-specialty Centers
      • 6.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By End Users
        • 6.4.1. Dental
        • 6.4.2. Gastroenterology
        • 6.4.3. Ophthalmology
        • 6.4.4. Orthopedic
        • 6.4.5. Neurology
        • 6.4.6. Pediatric
        • 6.4.7. Others
      • 6.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Country
        • 6.5.1. U.S.
        • 6.5.2. Canada

      7. Europe Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

      • 7.1. Key Findings / Summary
      • 7.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Type
        • 7.2.1. Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery Centers
        • 7.2.2. Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
      • 7.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Center Speciality
        • 7.3.1. Single-specialty Centers
        • 7.3.2. Multi-specialty Centers
      • 7.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By End Users
        • 7.4.1. Dental
        • 7.4.2. Gastroenterology
        • 7.4.3. Ophthalmology
        • 7.4.4. Orthopedic
        • 7.4.5. Neurology
        • 7.4.6. Pediatric
        • 7.4.7. Others
      • 7.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Country
        • 7.5.1. UK
        • 7.5.2. Germany
        • 7.5.3. France
        • 7.5.4. Italy
        • 7.5.5. Spain
        • 7.5.6. Russia
        • 7.5.7. Rest of Europe

      8. Asia Pacific Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

      • 8.1. Key Findings / Summary
      • 8.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Type
        • 8.2.1. Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery Centers
        • 8.2.2. Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
      • 8.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Center Speciality
        • 8.3.1. Single-specialty Centers
        • 8.3.2. Multi-specialty Centers
      • 8.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By End Users
        • 8.4.1. Dental
        • 8.4.2. Gastroenterology
        • 8.4.3. Ophthalmology
        • 8.4.4. Orthopedic
        • 8.4.5. Neurology
        • 8.4.6. Pediatric
        • 8.4.7. Others
      • 8.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Country
        • 8.5.1. China
        • 8.5.2. India
        • 8.5.3. Japan
        • 8.5.4. Australia
        • 8.5.5. South East Asia
        • 8.5.6. Rest of Asia Pacific

      9. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2020-2027

      • 9.1. Key Findings / Summary
      • 9.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Type
        • 9.2.1. Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgery Centers
        • 9.2.2. Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
      • 9.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Center Speciality
        • 9.3.1. Single-specialty Centers
        • 9.3.2. Multi-specialty Centers
      • 9.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By End Users
        • 9.4.1. Dental
        • 9.4.2. Gastroenterology
        • 9.4.3. Ophthalmology
        • 9.4.4. Orthopedic
        • 9.4.5. Neurology
        • 9.4.6. Pediatric
        • 9.4.7. Others
      • 9.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast – By Country
        • 9.5.1. Brazil
        • 9.5.2. Saudi Arabia
        • 9.5.3. UAE
        • 9.5.4. Rest of LAMEA

      10. Competitive Analysis

      • 10.1. Company Market Share Analysis, 2018
      • 10.2. Key Industry Developments
      • 10.3. Company Profile
      • 10.4. Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
        • 10.4.1. Business Overview
        • 10.4.2. Segment 1 & Service Offering
        • 10.4.3. Overall Revenue
        • 10.4.4. Geographic Presence
        • 10.4.5. Recent Development
      *Similar details will be provided for the following companies
      • 10.5. GE Healthcare
      • 10.6. Philips Healthcare
      • 10.7. athenahealth, Inc.
      • 10.8. Optum
      • 10.9. Epic Systems Corporation
      • 10.10. Medical Information Technology, Inc.
      • 10.11. eClinicalWorks
      • 10.12. athenahealth, Inc.
      • 10.13. Advanced Data Systems Corporation
      • 10.14. NextGen Healthcare
      • 10.15. CureMD
      • 10.16. HST Pathways
      • 10.17. Surgical Information Systems

      Research Process

      Data Library Research are conducted by industry experts who offer insight on industry structure, market segmentations technology assessment and competitive landscape (CL), and penetration, as well as on emerging trends. Their analysis is based on primary interviews (~ 80%) and secondary research (~ 20%) as well as years of professional expertise in their respective industries. Adding to this, by analysing historical trends and current market positions, our analysts predict where the market will be headed for the next five years. Furthermore, the varying trends of segment & categories geographically presented are also studied and the estimated based on the primary & secondary research.

      In this particular report from the supply side Data Library Research has conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and SOFT) of the companies that active & prominent as well as the midsized organization

      FIGURE 1: DLR RESEARH PROCESS

      research-methodology1

      Primary Research

      Extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The analysis is based on both primary and secondary research as well as years of professional expertise in the respective industries.

      In addition to analysing current and historical trends, our analysts predict where the market is headed over the next five years.

      It varies by segment for these categories geographically presented in the list of market tables. Speaking about this particular report we have conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and many more) of the major players active in the market.

      Secondary Research

      Secondary research was mainly used to collect and identify information useful for the extensive, technical, market-oriented, and Friend’s study of the Global Extra Neutral Alcohol. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends, geographical markets, and developments related to the market and technology perspectives. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources, such as annual reports, sec filings, journals, white papers, SOFT presentations, and company web sites.

      Market Size Estimation

      Both, top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the Global market and to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall Extra Neutral Alcohol. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research and their market contributions in the respective geographies were determined through primary and secondary research.

      Forecast Model

      research-methodology2