Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market

Market Definition

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are modern healthcare facilities that provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures without requiring an overnight hospital stay.

These centers are designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness and offer a wide range of outpatient surgeries across specialties such as orthopedics, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and general surgery. ASCs prioritize patient convenience, streamlined scheduling, and faster recovery while maintaining high standards of safety and care.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Overview

The global ambulatory surgical centers market size was valued at USD 4.76 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.02 billion in 2025 to USD 7.76 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.41% during the forecast period. The market is driven by advancements in surgical tools and anesthesia techniques, allowing a broader range of procedures to be safely conducted in ambulatory surgical centers.

Rising surgical volumes outside hospital settings, supported by the increasing focus of patients and healthcare providers on cost-efficient and streamlined care delivery, is further driving market growth. Additionally, ambulatory surgical centers are gaining preference for various procedures due to their ability to offer shorter recovery times, lower hospitalization risks, and improved patient outcomes.

Major companies operating in the ambulatory surgical centers industry are Surgery Partners, AMSURG, UnitedHealth Group (SCA Health), HCA Management Services, L.P., SurgCenter, Envision Healthcare, HST, Healthcare Systems & Technologies, LLC, Medical Facilities Corporation, Regent Surgical, General Electric Company, Koninklijke Philips N.V., TH Medical, Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc., Epic Surgery Center and Getinge.

The growing specialization in high-demand medical fields is accelerating the expansion of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), as providers increasingly focus on areas such as gastroenterology, ophthalmology, pain management, and cardiology. This enables ASCs to streamline operations, invest in specialty-specific equipment, and deliver improved clinical outcomes..

• According to a 2023 report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), 68% of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) in the United States operated as single-specialty centers, with 21% specializing in gastroenterology and 20% in ophthalmology.This high level of specialization allows ASCs to optimize clinical workflows, reduce procedure times, and invest in targeted equipment, which lowers operating costs and enhances patient outcomes.

Key Highlights:

1. The ambulatory surgical centers industry size was recorded at USD 4.76 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.41% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 42.02% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.00 billion.
4. The surgical services segment garnered USD 3.56 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The single-specialty segment is expected to reach USD 4.35 billion by 2032.
6. The hospital-based ASC segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.59% over the forecast period.
7. The physician-owned segment held a market share of 59.80% in 2024.
8. Europe is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.26% through the projection period.

Market Driver

Shift of Cardiac Procedures to ASCs

The increasing adoption of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) for cardiac procedures is driving market growth. Advances in minimally invasive techniques have made it possible to safely perform procedures such as diagnostic catheterizations, pacemaker insertions, and certain electrophysiology treatments in outpatient settings, reducing the reliance on traditional hospital infrastructure.

Moreover, ealthcare providers and insurance payers are increasingly supporting the transition to ASCs as they seek to reduce costs and enhance patient convenience. This support is driving greater demand for specialized cardiac care in ASCs, making them a preferred option for routine cardiovascular interventions.

• According to the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), 33% of cardiac procedures in the United States are projected to be performed in ASCs by 2025, indicating a significant shift from hospital-based care to ambulatory surgical centers.

Market Challenge

High Initial Setup and Equipment Costs

High initial setup and equipment costs present a significant challenge in the ambulatory surgical centers market. Establishing a compliant and fully operational facility requires significant capital investment in surgical infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and regulatory systems.

In addition to the procurement of essential devices, expenditures on facility construction, technology integration, and accreditation contribute to elevated startup costs. These financial demands limit participation by smaller healthcare providers and delay expansion efforts.

To address this challenge, companies are increasingly forming strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or leasing arrangements to share financial burdens. They are outsourcing non-core services such as billing and administrative tasks to reduce overhead. Market players are also securing private equity investments to access capital for infrastructure and technology upgrades.

Additionally, operators are opting for modular or phased expansion models, enabling gradual scaling based on demand and resource availability, thereby improving financial flexibility without compromising service quality or compliance.

Market Trend

Integration of Advanced OR Technologies in ASCs

Integration of advanced operating room (OR) technologies is enhancing the capabilities of ambulatory surgical centers by improving surgical accuracy, safety, and efficiency. ASCs are increasingly adopting connected OR tables, precision lighting systems, and real-time imaging solutions to support complex procedures in an outpatient setting. These innovations enable better workflow management, reduce intraoperative errors, and contribute to improved clinical outcomes. 

• In April 2024, Getinge launched three new operating room solutions in Singapore, including the Maquet Corin connected OR table, Maquet Ezea surgical light, and Fluoptics fluorescence imaging systems. These innovations are aimed at enhancing safety, precision, and efficiency in surgical center environments.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Service Type	Surgical Services, Diagnostic Services
By Specialty Type	Single-specialty, Multi-specialty
By Center Type	Freestanding Centers, Hospital-based ASCs
By Ownership Type	Physician-owned, Hospital-owned, Corporate-owned
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation:

• By Service Type (Surgical Services and Diagnostic Services): The surgical services segment earned USD 3.56 billion in 2024 due to the increasing preference for minimally invasive outpatient procedures and reduced hospital stays.
• By Specialty Type (Single-specialty and Multi-specialty): The single-specialty segment held 61.20% of the market in 2024, due to focused expertise, streamlined operations, and lower operational complexity.
• By Center Type (Freestanding Centers and Hospital-based ASCs): The freestanding centers segment is projected to reach USD 4.87 billion by 2032, owing to their operational independence, cost-efficiency, and quicker procedural turnaround.
• By Ownership Type (Physician-owned, Hospital-owned, and Corporate-owned): The corporate-owned segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.77% over the forecast period, fueled by rising consolidation, better capital access, and scalable infrastructure.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America ambulatory surgical centers market accounted for a share of 42.02% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.00 billion. This dominance is attributed to the region’s strong focus on expanding access to specialized outpatient care and increasing procedural volume, particularly in high-demand areas such as orthopedics, cardiology, and gastroenterology.

North America is witnessing a steady rise in consolidation and partnerships among ASC operators enabling broader service coverage and operational scalability. The region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and growing preference for minimally invasive surgeries are further supporting market growth.

Additionally, the growing number of elective procedures being performed at freestanding centers, such as joint replacements, cataract surgeries, and hernia repairs, improves patient convenience by reducing hospital stays and allowing faster recovery. This shift also lowers overall healthcare costs and eases the burden on hospital systems, thereby contributing to market expansion in the region.

• In June 2024, AMSURG partnered with Comprehensive EyeCare Partners to acquire Alta Rose Surgery Center, a freestanding ophthalmology-focused ASC located in Las Vegas, U.S. The facility specializes in advanced cataract, refractive, and laser vision correction surgeries. This acquisition expands the companies’ joint network to four centers and is intended to support growing procedural volumes while enhancing access to ophthalmic surgical care in the Southern Nevada region.

The Europe ambulatory surgical centers industry is set to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.26% over the forecast period. The growth is fueled by a strong shift toward same-day procedures supported by advancements in minimally invasive techniques and improved surgical protocols.

The market is experiencing steady growth as healthcare systems across the region focus on increasing procedural efficiency, reducing hospital stays and optimizing cost-effectiveness. Rising patient preference for outpatient care in specialties such as ophthalmology and ENT are accelerating this transition in the market.

Additionally, healthcare providers in the region are expanding ambulatory services by upgrading technology, training staff, and streamlining clinical workflows, further driving the growth of the market.

• In November 2023, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the ambulatory surgical centers witnessed substantial growth, driven by the rising preference for same-day procedures across OECD nations. In approximately 75% of OECD countries, over 90% of cataract surgeries are now performed in ambulatory settings, with notable increases in cataract and tonsillectomy procedures in countries such as Austria, Hungary, France, and the UK.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates ASCs under federal guidelines, overseeing quality reporting, reimbursement policies, and compliance with conditions for coverage. It ensures patient safety, infection control, and proper credentialing of healthcare providers.
• In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates ASCs under clinical establishment acts and biomedical waste rules, with oversight by state health departments.
  CDSCO governs the use of surgical devices and drugs within centers to ensure safety and efficacy. Licensing, infrastructure standards, and infection control practices are monitored at the state and central levels.
• In China National Health Commission (NHC) sets guidelines for outpatient surgical centers, including facility registration, operational standards, and medical safety protocols. It regulates the scope of services, clinical qualifications, and use of approved medical technologies.
• In the UK, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) licenses and monitors ASCs under the broader category of independent healthcare providers. It evaluates safety, patient care standards, staffing, and infection prevention measures. The commission conducts routine inspections and publishes performance ratings to maintain transparency and accountability.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the ambulatory surgical centers industry are increasingly pursuing joint ventures to expand their regional presence and enhance outpatient care delivery. They are focusing on freestanding multispecialty centers with advanced surgical infrastructure to broaden service offerings across high-demand specialties.

In addition, they are emphasizing clinical excellence, streamlining operations and maintaining high procedural standards. These strategies are reflecting the market's shift toward integrated and quality-driven outpatient surgical models.

• In June 2024, AMSURG and Palomar Health formed a joint venture to operate Poway Surgery Center, a freestanding multi-specialty ASC in North San Diego County, U.S. The center features five operating rooms and offers outpatient services in gastroenterology, orthopedics andENT. This partnership aims to expand access and improve the quality of outpatient surgical care across this region.

List of Key Companies in Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market:

• Surgery Partners
• AMSURG
• UnitedHealth Group (SCA Health)
• HCA Management Services, L.P.
• SurgCenter
• Envision Healthcare
• HST, Healthcare Systems & Technologies, LLC
• Medical Facilities Corporation
• Regent Surgical
• General Electric Company
• Koninklijke Philips N.V
• TH Medical
• Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc
• Epic Surgery Center
• Getinge

Recent Developments (M&A/ Product Launch)

• In March 2025, Northtowns Ambulatory Surgery Center acquired the DEXTER Robotic Surgery System from Distalmotion. This acquisition enables the center to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with greater precision and consistency, while reducing surgeon fatigue and operative time. By integrating robotic technology into its outpatient services, Northtowns aims to improve surgical outcomes, increase patient throughput, and strengthen its position as a technologically advanced ambulatory facility. 
• In November 2024, Surgical Information Systems (SIS) acquired Surgical Notes, a company specializing in revenue cycle management (RCM), coding and transcription services. This acquisition aims to support SIS's RCM offerings to address the growing demand among ASCs for outsourced billing solutions due to staffing shortages and increasing billing complexity.
• In March 2024, Pixee Medical launched its advanced augmented reality solution, Knee+ NexSight, for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the U.S. Featuring a streamlined interface and smart surgical navigation, this AR technology supports faster procedures with high precision and reduced environmental impact.
• In February 2024, ModMed opened its global capability centre in Hyderabad, India, delivering cloud-based electronic health record and practice management solutions for multiple specialties, including ambulatory surgery centers. The centre is designed to support engineering and product development to enhance ambulatory surgical centers operations.