Private equity (PE) investment is transforming the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) landscape, driving growth and consolidation while raising critical questions about physician autonomy and patient care. As ASCs navigate this influx of capital, stakeholders must balance financial ambitions with clinical excellence to preserve the core values that define these centers.

In this article for the American Health Law Association, ECG’s Karen Kole and Aakarsh Goyal explore the issues ASCs are grappling with as they contemplate their future.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Rapid Market Growth: The ASC industry is projected to grow from $45.6 billion in 2024 to $75.2 billion by 2030, fueled by PE investment and payer-driven policies.
2. Impact on Physician Leadership: Increased PE ownership may challenge traditional physician-led models, affecting autonomy and long-term patient-centric strategies.
3. Future Outlook: Value-based care, cardiovascular expansion, and price transparency will shape ASC success, with PE playing a pivotal role in enabling innovation.

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