Ambulatory surgery centers lag amid patient surge — Sg2 report

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES — Healthcare research firm Sg2 projects outpatient surgical volumes are expected to surge by 18% by 2033, while ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) will grow by just 12% in the next five years.

America’s aging population continues to drive demand for ambulatory care. Patients in need of total joint replacement, lumbar/thoracic spinal fusion, and knee replacement headline the surge.

These patients are moving towards low-cost facilities, which include ASCs, procedural offices, and patient homes. But with demand not meeting supply, the patient’s health and well-being are looking bleak.

“As the population continues to age and chronic disease incidence rises, we expect increased demand across all sites of care,” said Tori Richie, intelligence senior director, Sg2. “The reality is access is a challenge for these patient populations and care redesign will be critical to prevent the acute exacerbation of their medical conditions.”

Sluggish growth in ASC facilities could be reinforced by the 20% volume increase in home care services. 

However, Becker’s ASC Review noted that ASCs can meet the growing demand by eliminating in-house office operations and outsourcing to specialized third-party partners. This will allow healthcare providers to convert office spaces to patient facilities. 

“Open office space can make working conditions more comfortable for the remaining business office staff. Additionally, that space can be converted to help with clinical and operational performance or eliminated altogether to reduce occupancy expenses.”