Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Size, Share, Growth 2024 To 2033

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Size and Growth 2024 To 2033

The global ambulatory surgery centers market size was accounted at USD 125.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow around USD 219.8 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.79% from 2024 to 2033.

The ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) market comprises healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. These centers offer a cost-effective alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures, benefiting from lower overhead costs and shorter patient stay times. ASCs cater to a wide range of specialties, including orthopedics, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and urology. The market is driven by factors such as increasing healthcare costs, a growing preference for minimally invasive surgeries, and technological advancements. Additionally, ASCs are becoming more popular due to their convenience, reduced risk of infection, and enhanced patient satisfaction compared to traditional hospital settings.

• “U.S. News & World Report has introduced its first-ever ratings for ambulatory surgical centers, evaluating nearly 5,000 facilities across four key areas: colonoscopy and endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopedics and spine, and urology. Ben Harder discussed these new ratings with Chief Healthcare Executive®.”
• “MultiCare, a nonprofit health system with 12 hospitals in Washington, is forming a joint venture with Atlas Healthcare Partners. This partnership marks MultiCare as the third health system to collaborate with Atlas, focusing on developing and managing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).”
• ” Stephen W. Marshall, MBA, previously Senior Vice President of Operations for Surgery Partners, has been appointed Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vanderbilt Health System’s Ambulatory Surgery Division. This role will leverage his extensive experience in ambulatory surgery operations.”

Report Highlights

• By Regions, North America has dominated the market by holding the revenue share of 41.2% in 2023.
• By Regions, Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth by generating revenue share of 20.74% in 2023.
• By Center Type, single-specialty segment has garnered highest revenue share of 60% in the year of 2023.
• By Services, the treatment segment has dominated the market by covering revenue share of 76.26% in 2023. 
• By Ownership, In 2023 the physician owned segment has recorded highest revenue share of 61%.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Growth Factors

• Cost Efficiency: ASCs offer surgical procedures at lower costs compared to hospitals due to reduced overheads and streamlined operations. This cost efficiency is attractive to both patients and insurers, driving growth in the market.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in surgical techniques and medical technology have expanded the range of procedures that can be safely performed in ASCs. This includes advancements in minimally invasive surgeries, which require shorter recovery times.
• Patient Convenience and Preference: Patients increasingly prefer ASCs for their shorter wait times, personalized care, and the ability to return home the same day. The convenience and reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections enhance patient satisfaction.
• Increase in Chronic Diseases: The rising prevalence of chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, has led to an increase in surgeries related to these conditions, boosting demand for ASC services.
• Regulatory Support and Reimbursement Policies: Favorable government policies and reimbursement models that encourage outpatient care have supported the growth of ASCs. Many procedures are now reimbursed by Medicare and private insurers when performed in ASCs, further driving market expansion.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Trends

• Aging Population: As the global population ages, there is an increased demand for surgical procedures, particularly those related to age-related conditions such as cataracts, joint replacements, and cardiovascular interventions. ASCs are well-positioned to meet this demand with efficient, specialized care.
• Shift Toward Value-Based Care: Healthcare systems are increasingly focusing on value-based care, which emphasizes quality outcomes and cost-effectiveness. ASCs align with this model by providing high-quality surgical care at lower costs, leading to their increased adoption.
• Advancements in Anesthesia Techniques: Improvements in anesthesia have made it possible to perform more complex surgeries in outpatient settings. Shorter-acting anesthetics and better pain management protocols allow for quicker recovery, making ASCs a viable option for a wider range of procedures.
• Expansion into New Specialties: ASCs have the opportunity to expand into new surgical specialties beyond traditional areas like orthopedics and ophthalmology. Emerging fields such as robotic surgery and bariatric procedures present opportunities for growth and diversification of services offered by ASCs.
• Telemedicine Integration: The integration of telemedicine with ASCs offers opportunities for pre-operative and post-operative consultations, follow-ups, and patient monitoring. This can enhance patient engagement, improve outcomes, and create additional revenue streams for ASCs by offering remote care services.

Report Scope

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increased Physician Involvement and Ownership:

• Many ASCs are physician-owned, which aligns the incentives of the practitioners with the operational goals of the centers. This ownership structure encourages efficient management and high-quality care, attracting more patients and driving market growth. Physicians are also more likely to refer patients to ASCs where they have a stake, further increasing patient volumes.

Growth in Elective Surgeries:

• The rising demand for elective surgeries, such as cosmetic procedures, weight-loss surgeries, and orthopedic interventions, is boosting the ASC market. These centers offer an ideal setting for elective surgeries due to their cost-effectiveness and shorter recovery times, meeting the growing consumer demand for such procedures.

Restraints

Regulatory and Accreditation Challenges:

• ASCs face stringent regulatory requirements and accreditation standards that can be costly and time-consuming to meet. Compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as accreditation from organizations like The Joint Commission, can pose significant challenges for ASCs, especially smaller centers with limited resources.

Limited Complex Procedure Capabilities:

• While ASCs are well-suited for many outpatient procedures, they may be limited in handling more complex surgeries due to equipment, staffing, and facility constraints. This limitation can restrict the types of procedures that can be performed, reducing the potential market size and growth opportunities for ASCs compared to hospitals with more comprehensive resources.

Opportunities

Partnerships with Hospitals and Healthcare Networks:

• ASCs have the opportunity to form strategic partnerships with hospitals and healthcare networks, allowing them to expand their patient base and service offerings. These collaborations can provide ASCs with access to a broader range of patients and resources, while hospitals can benefit from the cost-effective and efficient surgical care provided by ASCs.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies:

• The adoption of advanced technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgery, enhanced imaging systems, and electronic health records, can enhance the capabilities and efficiency of ASCs. By investing in cutting-edge technologies, ASCs can improve patient outcomes, attract more patients, and differentiate themselves from competitors, leading to increased market share and growth.

Challenges

Competition with Hospitals:

• ASCs face significant competition from hospitals, which often have greater resources and can offer a wider range of services, including more complex procedures. Hospitals may also have stronger brand recognition and established patient networks, making it challenging for ASCs to attract and retain patients, especially for surgeries that require inpatient care.

Insurance Reimbursement Issues:

• Navigating the complexities of insurance reimbursement can be challenging for ASCs. Variations in reimbursement rates between private insurers and Medicare or Medicaid can affect profitability. Additionally, changes in insurance policies and reimbursement models, such as bundled payments, can create uncertainty and financial pressure for ASCs, particularly if they lack negotiation leverage with insurers.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Segmental Analysis

Application Analysis

Orthopedics: Orthopedic ASCs focus on surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system, including joint replacements, sports medicine procedures, and fracture repairs. The rising prevalence of orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis and sports injuries, is driving demand for orthopedic surgeries in ASCs. Technological advancements, like minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic-assisted procedures, are enhancing patient outcomes and expanding the types of orthopedic surgeries that can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Pain Management/Spinal Injections: This segment addresses pain management procedures, including spinal injections and nerve blocks, to treat chronic pain conditions. The increasing incidence of chronic pain conditions, such as back pain and neuropathy, is fueling growth in pain management services at ASCs. There is a trend toward using image-guided techniques to improve the precision and effectiveness of spinal injections, offering patients relief with minimal recovery time.

Gastroenterology: Gastroenterology ASCs perform procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal disorders. The demand for screening procedures, such as colonoscopies for colorectal cancer detection, is boosting growth in gastroenterology services at ASCs. Advances in endoscopic technology, including capsule endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, are expanding the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of ASCs in this specialty.

Ophthalmology: Ophthalmology ASCs provide surgical eye care, including cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatments, and corrective vision procedures. The increasing prevalence of eye disorders, such as cataracts and glaucoma, is driving demand for ophthalmic procedures at ASCs. Innovations in laser technology and intraocular lens implants are enhancing surgical outcomes and enabling more complex eye surgeries to be performed on an outpatient basis.

Plastic Surgery: Plastic surgery ASCs offer cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including facelifts, breast augmentations, and liposuction. Growing consumer interest in cosmetic enhancements and minimally invasive procedures is driving growth in plastic surgery ASCs. Advances in surgical techniques and technologies, such as laser treatments and fat grafting, are increasing the safety and efficacy of plastic surgery, making it more accessible to a broader range of patients.

Otolaryngology: Otolaryngology ASCs specialize in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries, including sinus surgeries, tonsillectomies, and cochlear implants. The increasing prevalence of ENT disorders, such as chronic sinusitis and hearing loss, is boosting demand for otolaryngology procedures at ASCs. Technological advancements, such as image-guided surgery and endoscopic techniques, are improving surgical precision and patient outcomes in ENT procedures.

Obstetrics/Gynecology: This segment provides surgical care for women’s health, including hysterectomies, laparoscopies, and fertility treatments. The demand for minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, is growing in ASCs. These procedures offer shorter recovery times and reduced hospital stays, appealing to women seeking efficient and effective surgical solutions for their health needs.

Dental: Dental ASCs perform oral surgeries, including extractions, implants, and corrective jaw surgeries. The increasing demand for dental implants and orthodontic surgeries is driving growth in dental ASCs. Advances in dental technology, such as digital imaging and computer-aided design, are improving the precision and outcomes of dental surgeries, making them more suitable for outpatient settings.

Podiatry: Podiatry ASCs specialize in foot and ankle surgeries, including bunion corrections, fracture repairs, and tendon surgeries. The growing prevalence of foot and ankle disorders, particularly among the aging population and individuals with diabetes, is driving demand for podiatric surgeries in ASCs. Minimally invasive techniques and enhanced imaging technologies are expanding the range of podiatric procedures that can be performed in outpatient settings.

Others: This category includes a variety of other surgical specialties, such as urology, dermatology, and general surgery, offered at ASCs. The trend toward outpatient surgeries across various specialties is driven by advancements in surgical techniques and anesthesia, which allow for safe and efficient procedures outside the hospital setting. The focus on patient convenience and cost-effectiveness is further fueling the expansion of services in diverse surgical fields within ASCs.

Ownership Analysis

Physician Owned: Physician-owned ASCs are facilities where practicing doctors hold majority ownership. This model aligns financial and clinical incentives, promoting high-quality care and operational efficiency. This segmet has calculated highest market share of 61% in 2023. Trends indicate an increase in physician ownership due to greater autonomy and profitability. However, regulatory scrutiny around self-referrals and potential conflicts of interest remains a challenge, pushing physician owners to navigate complex legal landscapes.

Hospital Owned: Hospital-owned ASCs are facilities directly owned or partnered with hospitals. This ownership structure allows hospitals to extend their outpatient services and optimize surgical capacity, offering more cost-effective care. The trend is driven by hospitals seeking to capture outpatient surgical volume and reduce inpatient costs. These centers benefit from integrated care models and streamlined patient referrals, enhancing service quality and coordination. The hospital-owned segment has acquired market share of 19% in 2023.

Corporate Owned: Corporate-owned ASCs are operated by for-profit companies or healthcare management organizations. These entities leverage economies of scale, standardized protocols, and extensive networks to enhance operational efficiency and profitability. The trend shows increased corporate consolidation in the ASC market, with large healthcare companies acquiring independent centers to expand their market share and negotiate better payer contracts. This segment has garnered market share of 15% in the year of 2023.

Others: This category includes ASCs owned by joint ventures between physicians, hospitals, and corporations or other unique ownership models such as partnerships with venture capital firms. The trend is toward innovative ownership structures that combine the strengths of different stakeholders, facilitating access to capital and expertise. These hybrid models aim to balance quality care with financial sustainability, adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. The others segment has registered a small market share of 5% in 2023. 

Center Type Analysis

Single-Specialty: Single-specialty ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) focus on one specific area of medical procedures, such as orthopedics, ophthalmology, or gastroenterology. These centers benefit from streamlined operations and specialized expertise, allowing for high efficiency and lower costs. A growing trend is the increase in patient preference for these centers due to their specialized care, leading to faster procedure times and shorter recovery periods compared to general hospitals. This segment has captured highest market share of 60% in 2023.

Multi-Specialty: Multi-specialty ASCs offer a wide range of surgical procedures across various specialties, such as cardiology, neurology, and urology, under one roof. This model attracts a diverse patient base and allows for resource sharing among different specialties, improving overall efficiency. The trend toward value-based care and bundled payment models has led to increased demand for multi-specialty ASCs, as they provide comprehensive services that align with holistic patient care approaches and cost-effective treatment options. The multi-specialty segment has recorded market share of 40% in 2023.

Service Analysis

Treatment: In Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), treatment services encompass a range of outpatient surgical procedures, including orthopedic, ophthalmic, and gastroenterological interventions. The trend is toward minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and costs. Advances in surgical technology and techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgeries, are enhancing the efficacy and scope of treatments available in ASCs, making them a preferred choice for many patients. The treatment segment has generated dominating 76.26% market share in 2023.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis services in ASCs include pre-operative assessments and imaging procedures essential for accurate surgical planning. Trends indicate a growing integration of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as high-resolution imaging and molecular diagnostics, to improve pre-surgical evaluations. Enhanced diagnostic capabilities within ASCs contribute to better patient outcomes and more efficient care, supporting the shift towards outpatient surgical services. In 2023 the diagnosis services has covered market share of 23.74% in 2023.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Regional Analysis

Why North America is leading in the ambulatory surgery centers market?

In North America, the Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) market is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing patient preference for outpatient procedures due to cost-effectiveness and shorter recovery times. North America market size is expected to reach around USD 90.67 billion by 2033 increasing from USD 54.53 billion in 2024 with a CAGR of 5.81%. The region also sees a high adoption of advanced technologies and surgical techniques. Moreover, the shift towards value-based care and bundled payment models is encouraging the expansion and integration of ASCs within larger healthcare networks.

Why Asia Pacific is experiencing significant growth in the ambulatory surgery centers market?

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in ASCs due to rising healthcare demand, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding healthcare infrastructure. Asia Pacific market size is calculated at USD 27.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow around USD 45.94 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 5.87%. There is a significant trend towards adopting advanced medical technologies and enhancing the scope of outpatient services. Additionally, governments in the region are investing in healthcare reforms that support the growth of ASCs.

Europe Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Trends

In Europe, ASCs are expanding as a result of growing government support for outpatient care to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient accessibility. Europe market size is measured at USD 37.67 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow around USD 62.71 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 5.83%. The trend includes an increase in partnerships between ASCs and hospitals, and a focus on standardizing regulations and accreditation processes across countries to streamline operations and enhance service quality.

LAMEA Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Trends

In the LAMEA(Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) region, the ASC market is growing slowly but steadily, driven by rising healthcare access and demand for outpatient services. There is a notable trend towards improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing private investment in ASCs. Challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies and limited healthcare funding are being addressed to support market growth and development. LAMEA market size is forecasted to reach around USD 21.10 billion by 2033 from USD 12.71 billion in 2024 with a CAGR of 5.76%.

Global Ambulatory Surgery Centers Market Top Companies

• Surgery Partners, Inc.
• Envision Healthcare Corporation
• United Surgical Partners International, Inc.
• HCA Healthcare, Inc.
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, Inc.
• Tenet Healthcare Corporation
• Mednax, Inc.
• HealthDrive
• Nueterra Capital
• Beverly Hills Physicians
• AscellaHealth
• Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc.
• OrthoCarolina
• Amsurg Corp.
• Centers for Specialty Care Group

Emerging entrants like HealthDrive and Nueterra Capital are adopting innovative models, focusing on integrating advanced technologies and expanding service offerings to differentiate themselves in the ASC market. Their emphasis on technology-driven solutions and strategic partnerships is helping them gain a foothold. Surgery Partners, Inc. and United Surgical Partners International, Inc. dominate the market by leveraging their extensive networks of centers and comprehensive service portfolios. They maintain their leadership through large-scale operations, advanced surgical technologies, and strong relationships with healthcare networks and insurance providers.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Panoramic Health, in collaboration with Florida Kidney Physicians, has opened a new five-operating-room ASC in Tampa, Florida. This expansion aims to enhance outpatient care delivery and improve both provider and patient experiences in integrated kidney care.
• In 2023, Southeastern Spine Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center, affiliated with United Surgical Partners International (USPI), has launched a robotic-assisted surgery program. The center will use this technology to perform total knee replacements, enhancing precision and outcomes in surgical procedures.
• In 2023, Spire Orthopedic Partners has joined forces with Dutchess County Orthopedic Associates, establishing itself as one of the largest orthopedic platforms in the U.S. This partnership will enhance service for existing patients and address growing demand in orthopedic care.
• In 2022, Centura Mercury Hospital has partnered with United Surgical Partners International to build an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Colorado. This collaboration aims to enhance their commitment to providing high-quality care and improving access to outpatient surgical services.
• In 2022, ValueHealth LLC announced that Penn State Health has acquired shares in the Surgery Center of Lancaster. This move aims to expand the center’s service offerings and enhance access to value-based surgical care in the region.

Market Segmentation

By Application

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management/Spinal Injections
• Gastroenterology
• Ophthalmology
• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Obstetrics/Gynecology
• Dental
• Podiatry
• Others

By Ownership

• Physician Owned
• Hospital Owned
• Corporate Owned
• Others

By Center Type 

• Single-Specialty
• Multi-Specialty

By Services

• Treatment
• Diagnosis

By Regions

• North America
• APAC
• Europe
• LAMEA