Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Size and Overview:

The Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) Market was valued at USD 104.5 billion in 2024 and will grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030. The market is expected to reach USD 156.8 billion by 2030.
The Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market focuses on facilities that provide same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. ASCs have become an integral component of the healthcare ecosystem, offering cost-effective, high-quality, and efficient alternatives to inpatient hospital surgeries. Their growth is fueled by advances in surgical technology, anesthesia, and minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and allow outpatient treatment for a wide range of conditions. Rising healthcare costs, payer support for outpatient care, and the demand for patient convenience are major contributors to the market’s expansion. The market is expected to continue growing as healthcare systems increasingly emphasize value-based care and improved patient outcomes.

Key Market Insights:

Orthopedic and ophthalmology surgeries collectively accounted for over 35% of total ASC procedures in 2024.

North America dominated with more than 40% share due to well-established healthcare infrastructure and payer reimbursement support.

Physician-owned ASCs represented the largest ownership segment, accounting for around 50% of global revenue.

Multi-specialty centers are expanding rapidly as they improve operational efficiency and patient volume management.

Technological advancements in minimally invasive techniques and surgical robotics are enhancing procedural safety.

Increasing preference for outpatient surgeries is reducing hospital burden and improving healthcare affordability.

Asia-Pacific is projected to record the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030 due to expanding private healthcare networks.

Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Drivers

Rising Preference for Cost-Effective Outpatient Procedures is driving the market growth
One of the most significant factors driving the ambulatory surgical centers market is the global shift toward cost-effective outpatient surgical care. Traditional hospital-based surgeries are often expensive due to overhead costs, long stays, and ancillary expenses. ASCs offer a highly efficient alternative, delivering similar or even superior outcomes at lower prices. The reduced cost structure benefits both patients and payers, including private insurers and government health programs. In countries like the United States, Medicare and private insurers actively encourage surgeries in ASCs due to their cost savings and efficiency. The ongoing transition toward value-based healthcare models has further strengthened this preference. Moreover, advancements in anesthesia, pain management, and minimally invasive surgical techniques enable safe same-day procedures with quick recovery times. Patients increasingly favor ASCs for their convenience, reduced infection risk, and shorter waiting times. Hospitals are also partnering with or acquiring ASCs to diversify their outpatient service offerings. As healthcare systems worldwide aim to optimize resource utilization, the cost-effectiveness of ambulatory surgery centers positions them as a central pillar in modern surgical care delivery.

Technological Advancements in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery is driving the market growth
Technological innovation is another major driver accelerating the growth of the ambulatory surgical centers market. The continuous evolution of minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques has made it possible to perform complex procedures safely in outpatient settings. These technologies reduce the need for large incisions, minimize blood loss, and shorten recovery periods, making same-day discharge feasible for a broader range of surgeries. Innovations in imaging systems, endoscopic devices, and anesthesia delivery have improved procedural precision and patient safety. Robotic-assisted surgeries, once confined to major hospitals, are increasingly being integrated into ASCs due to falling equipment costs and growing surgeon training programs. Moreover, digital monitoring tools and telemedicine platforms are enhancing post-operative care and remote follow-up, reducing the need for hospital readmissions. These advancements also improve efficiency, allowing ASCs to handle higher patient volumes with reduced operational costs. The integration of electronic health records and data analytics tools further supports streamlined workflow management and quality control. Collectively, these technological breakthroughs are transforming ambulatory surgical centers into technologically advanced hubs capable of performing a diverse range of procedures while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.

Global Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Challenges and Restraints

Regulatory Compliance and Reimbursement Limitations is restricting the market growth
Despite strong growth potential, the ambulatory surgical centers market faces challenges related to complex regulatory compliance and inconsistent reimbursement frameworks. ASCs must adhere to stringent safety and quality standards set by various health authorities, which often differ across regions. In many developing countries, regulatory oversight is still evolving, creating uncertainty and operational hurdles for ASC operators. Moreover, obtaining accreditation from agencies such as The Joint Commission or AAAHC requires substantial investment in infrastructure and continuous staff training. Reimbursement limitations remain a major concern, particularly in markets where government insurance programs do not adequately cover outpatient procedures. Inconsistent or delayed reimbursement payments can strain cash flows and limit expansion, especially for small or physician-owned centers. Furthermore, the lack of uniform reimbursement policies between private insurers and public payers creates administrative challenges and pricing disparities. These issues can discourage healthcare providers from fully transitioning to outpatient surgical models. Addressing these regulatory and reimbursement gaps is essential to unlocking the full potential of the global ASC industry.

Market Opportunities

The global ambulatory surgical centers market is poised for significant expansion, supported by multiple emerging opportunities. One of the most promising avenues is the rapid adoption of digital health and telemedicine integration within ASC operations. Digital patient management tools, remote preoperative assessments, and post-surgical teleconsultations are transforming patient engagement and care continuity. These innovations not only improve efficiency but also enhance the overall patient experience. Another major opportunity lies in the growing demand for outpatient specialty procedures, such as orthopedics, cardiology, and gastroenterology, which are increasingly shifting to ASC environments due to improved technology and clinical confidence. Geographic expansion also presents vast potential, particularly in emerging economies across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. Rising healthcare expenditure, supportive government policies, and the proliferation of private healthcare investments are creating favorable conditions for ASC development in these regions. Furthermore, the ongoing trend of hospital-ASC partnerships provides a strategic opportunity for healthcare providers to leverage mutual resources and expertise, ensuring operational sustainability. Additionally, value-based care initiatives are encouraging payers and providers to focus on quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost containment—all of which align with the ASC model. Sustainability and energy efficiency in healthcare infrastructure offer another niche opportunity. ASCs can adopt green building standards and energy-efficient designs to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. With continued innovation in surgical techniques, anesthesia safety, and automation, the market will continue to expand its procedural portfolio. Overall, the convergence of digital transformation, technological advancement, and global healthcare modernization makes ASCs a cornerstone of future surgical care delivery.

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Segmentation:

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market By Ownership:

• Physician-Owned
• Hospital-Owned
• Corporate-Owned

Physician-owned ASCs dominate the ownership segment, accounting for nearly half of the global market share. These centers benefit from direct physician involvement, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Physicians often prefer ownership to maintain autonomy, streamline decision-making, and ensure higher quality of care. These facilities are agile, enabling them to adapt quickly to patient needs and evolving surgical technologies. Moreover, the revenue model offers physicians additional income streams while supporting competitive pricing for patients and payers.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market By Specialization:

• Single-Specialty
• Multi-Specialty

Multi-specialty ASCs hold the dominant market position, offering a wider range of surgical services under one roof. This model enhances resource utilization, attracts diverse patient groups, and ensures financial stability through diversified procedure portfolios. Multi-specialty centers also facilitate collaboration among surgeons from different disciplines, driving innovation and care coordination. Their operational flexibility allows quick adoption of new surgical technologies, helping them cater to a broader range of outpatient procedures while improving overall patient throughput and profitability.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Regional Segmentation

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East and Africa

North America remains the dominant region in the global ambulatory surgical centers market due to its mature healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and strong regulatory support. The United States leads the market, driven by favorable reimbursement policies from Medicare and private insurers encouraging outpatient surgeries. High patient awareness, coupled with technological sophistication, has positioned ASCs as a preferred choice for elective procedures. The region also has a large network of independent and hospital-affiliated centers providing specialized services across multiple disciplines. The aging population, increasing chronic disease prevalence, and emphasis on cost reduction continue to sustain regional growth. Furthermore, ongoing healthcare reforms promoting value-based care reinforce the transition from inpatient to outpatient models. Canada’s healthcare modernization initiatives and Mexico’s growing private healthcare investments also contribute to regional market expansion. The focus on integrating advanced surgical robotics and telemedicine services further strengthens North America’s position as a global leader in ambulatory surgical care innovation.

Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market COVID-19 Impact Analysis 

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the ambulatory surgical centers market, influencing both short-term disruptions and long-term transformation. During the initial phase of the pandemic, elective surgeries were postponed or canceled worldwide, leading to a sharp decline in ASC revenue. Lockdowns, supply chain interruptions, and staffing shortages further constrained operations. However, as healthcare systems adapted, ASCs quickly emerged as essential facilities for managing non-COVID procedures while minimizing hospital congestion. Their smaller, controlled environments allowed for safer and more efficient resumption of surgeries compared to large hospitals. The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of digital health technologies in ASCs, including telehealth consultations, remote preoperative assessments, and digital scheduling systems. These technologies improved patient communication and workflow management during restrictive conditions. Moreover, the pandemic highlighted the cost-efficiency and agility of ASCs, reinforcing their strategic role in decentralized healthcare delivery. As hospitals struggled with capacity management, many patients and physicians shifted permanently toward outpatient settings for elective and minor surgeries.

In the post-pandemic era, ASCs have witnessed renewed investment and policy support. Governments and insurers recognize their role in reducing healthcare system burden while maintaining safety and affordability. Enhanced infection control measures and improved ventilation systems have become standard, ensuring long-term resilience. The pandemic essentially reshaped healthcare priorities, positioning ASCs as critical infrastructure for delivering accessible, efficient, and patient-centered surgical care.

Latest Trends/Developments

The ambulatory surgical centers market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by innovation, collaboration, and policy evolution. One key trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics in surgical planning, workflow optimization, and patient management. AI-powered scheduling systems help reduce procedure delays, while predictive analytics improve resource allocation and clinical outcomes. Another major trend is the expansion of robotic-assisted surgeries within ASCs, previously limited to large hospitals. These systems are becoming more compact and affordable, enabling precision procedures in outpatient environments. Digital transformation continues to redefine patient engagement, with mobile apps and telemedicine enhancing pre- and post-operative communication. Sustainability has also gained prominence, with eco-friendly infrastructure design, energy-efficient equipment, and waste reduction initiatives gaining traction. Strategic partnerships between hospitals, private investors, and technology companies are expanding ASC networks and bringing advanced care to underserved areas. Additionally, new financing models and flexible reimbursement structures are emerging to support ASC expansion, particularly in developing regions. The trend toward multi-specialty centers continues to grow, enabling facilities to diversify service offerings and strengthen operational efficiency. Moreover, regulatory bodies worldwide are updating guidelines to expand the list of procedures eligible for outpatient care, further accelerating market growth. Overall, the industry’s evolution toward digitalization, sustainability, and value-based care ensures that ASCs will remain at the forefront of modern surgical care innovation in the coming decade.

Key Players:

1. • United Surgical Partners International (USPI)
2. • Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA Health)
3. • HCA Healthcare
4. • Tenet Healthcare Corporation
5. • AMSURG
6. • Surgery Partners Inc.
7. • Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
8. • TeamHealth
9. • Envision Healthcare
10. • Mediclinic International

Market News:

• In October 2025, AmSurg (a large ASC operator) announced its ongoing expansion through acquisitions and preparing for its major ownership change, following the definitive agreement by Ascension to acquire the company in a deal valued at $3.9 billion (expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026).
• In March 2025, Compass Surgical Partners collaborated with the Orthopaedic Institute of North Texas and Lam Vascular & Associates to develop the "Frisco Station Surgery Center," a multispecialty ASC, reflecting the continued trend of strategic partnerships for new ASC development.