ASCA’s Annual Conference, held on April 30th-May 3rd in Colorado, brought together thousands of industry leaders, vendors, and administrators to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore what’s next for ambulatory surgery centers. From financial strategy to workforce development, the conversations revealed where ASCs are focusing their energy—and why.
Here are the key takeaways from ASCA 2025.
1️⃣ Data, Automation, and Tech Adoption are Non-Negotiable
Across the exhibit hall and breakout discussions, the message was consistent: tech-enabled ASCs are better positioned to succeed. Automation is transforming workflows—from streamlining revenue cycle processes and clinical documentation to improving inventory management and reducing compliance risk. Data analytics was also front and center, with many leaders looking for smarter ways to track key performance indicators and spot operational inefficiencies. The takeaway was clear: embracing the right tools isn’t just about efficiency—it’s essential for scaling, staying compliant, and meeting the growing demands of patients and payers alike.
2️⃣ Leadership Development is Key Amid Staffing Shortages
With staffing shortages top of mind, many conversations and sessions focused their attention on how to build resilient teams and retain high performers. Leadership development emerged as a top priority, with discussions around how emotional intelligence, thoughtful delegation, and structured evaluations can create a more stable, supportive workplace culture. There was broad recognition that a strong leader doesn’t just manage operations—they influence retention, morale, and the long-term health of the center. Across the floor, the consensus was clear: culture, communication, and team alignment are just as important as clinical outcomes when it comes to ASC success.
3️⃣ Leading ASCs Focus on Maximizing Profitability and Long-Term Value
A key theme across the conference was the growing emphasis on strengthening financial performance and planning for long-term success. Attendees and vendors alike focused on strategies to improve payer reimbursement, increase revenue per case, and enhance overall profitability. There was a strong push toward mastering financial data—from understanding statements to analyzing cost drivers—to better inform operational decisions. Conversations often centered around real estate monetization, growth planning, and preparing for a potential sale. Financial literacy is clearly becoming a competitive differentiator for ASC leaders aiming to scale or future-proof their organizations.
4️⃣ Total Joints Continued to Take Center Stage
Total joint replacements were a hot topic among attendees exploring new service lines. Many were exchanging advice on launching and scaling outpatient joint programs—from building out infrastructure to navigating payer relationships and optimizing patient outcomes. The conversation emphasized that high-acuity growth is possible with the right clinical, operational, and financial foundation in place. Many sessions covered certification processes, patient selection, and staffing models to support success. With strong interest in orthopedic expansion, total joints were seen as a major opportunity—especially for ASCs ready to invest in long-term differentiation and value-based care readiness.
5️⃣ Kathy Wilson, RN, was Honored with the Nap Gary Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in the ASC Community
Presented by Dr. David Shapiro, the award recognized Wilson’s decades-long commitment to advancing quality and safety in ambulatory surgery centers. As former executive director of the ASC Quality Collaboration (ASCQC), Wilson led initiatives to improve care, shape federal reporting measures, and educate stakeholders. Her career also included leadership roles at Amsurg and HCA Healthcare. Wilson expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to fellow quality and safety professionals working to elevate patient care in ASCs.
A huge thank you to ASCA for organizing another wonderful conference on behalf of the industry!
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