US Ambulatory Surgery Center Market Analysis

US Ambulatory Surgery Center Market Executive Summary

US Ambulatory Surgery Center Market is valued at around $40.03 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach $55.2 Bn by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Ambulatory Surgery Center Market refers to the market for facilities which provide same-day surgical care. It allows patients to undergo surgeries and to go home same day. These centers have low overhead cost and more efficient for patient turnover. It is a best alternative for hospital-based outpatient procedures.

Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and aging population has contributed to the growth of global market for ambulatory surgery centers in recent years. Increasing demand for joint transplantation procedures, cataract surgeries, cosmetic and plastic surgeries, urological procedures and pain management procedures have led the market for ambulatory surgery centers.

There are many global players in market of ambulatory surgery centers but Community Health Systems, Inc.; Envision Healthcare Corporation; Terveystalo; Tenet Healthcare Corporation; MEDNAX Services, Inc.; TeamHealth; Quorum Health Corporation; UnitedHealth Group; Surgery Partners; and Healthway Medical Group are major players.

There have been advancements in technology for different type of surgical procedures like robotic surgery, 3D imaging, laparoscopy and arthroscopy has fueled the market demand. Non-invasive procedures and growing demand for IT solutions such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring with real-time data has attributed to growth of market for ambulatory surgery centers.

Cost-efficiency, aging population, and increasing demand for outpatient procedures are projected to fuel the market for ambulatory surgery procedures in coming years. The market still has many challenges like reimbursement coverage limitations, retention and recruitment of skilled surgeons, regulatory compliances and increasing market competition. 

Market Dynamics

Drivers of US Ambulatory Surgery Center Market:

Aging Population and Chronic Disease: As the world's population ages, need for surgical procedures like joint replacement surgery, cataract surgeries and other gastrointestinal procedures increases. Ambulatory surgical centers are convenient option for patients. They are accessible and provide specialized care to patients which is increasing demand for ambulatory surgery centers.

Increasing Demand for Outpatient Procedures: There has been advancements in surgical techniques, like anesthesia, and pain management which has made it possible to perform wide range of surgeries like orthopedic and cataract procedures in ambulatory surgery centers. Cost- effectiveness, reduced risk of hospital acquired infection and convenience has increased a demand for ambulatory surgery centers.

Advancement in Technology: Laparoscopy and Arthroscopy are minimal invasive and advanced techniques which has significantly contributed to a growth of ambulatory surgery center market. These procedures have made it possible to perform complex surgeries with reduced pain, smaller incisions and faster recovery time. Other advancements include surgical robots and imaging techniques leading to increased capabilities of ambulatory surgery center.

Cost-Efficiency: Cost for ambulatory service centers is lower compared to hospital-based settings. Patients with lower income group are also able to afford the treatment. Facility expenses, staffing cost, and equipment maintenance cost is lower compared to hospitals. Insurance companies and governments are also incentivizing the use of ambulatory surgery centers to reduce overall cost for healthcare services.

Partnerships and Consolidation: Hospitals, healthcare systems and physicians’ groups are establishing an ambulatory surgery center to expand their services. It will improve healthcare infrastructure and better integration of care across the continuum.   

Restraints of US Ambulatory Surgery Center Market:

Public Perception and Patient Preference: Lack of awareness about ambulatory surgery centers and some patients prefer treatment in hospitals because of reservations in their minds, are affecting the growth of ambulatory surgery center market. Hospitals have wide range of services and facilities while ambulatory service centers have limit in services.

Market Competition: Hospitals and healthcare systems are entering into market which is making it more competitive. Ambulatory surgery centers need to differentiate themselves from other competitors by providing quality services, maintaining patient satisfaction rate and building relationships with physicians and insurance companies to stay in market.

Managing Patient Volume: Ambulatory surgery centers mainly focus on day-care surgeries which limits their scope of services. It makes difficult to manage patient footfall during unexpected fluctuations or in peak periods. Proper scheduling, coordination with surgeons and patient flow management are necessary to utilize resources with maximum output and quality of care.

Physician Recruitment and Retention: Ambulatory surgery centers require highly skilled and specialized physicians for treatment of patients. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers have intense competition to attract and retain physicians. Work-life balance, compensation and professional autonomy are the factors which play a major role in physicians’ retention and recruitment. Continuously looking out for these factors are challenging for ambulatory surgery centers.

Adapting to Changing Healthcare Policies: healthcare policies and regulations change for ambulatory surgery market and adaptation for change is a challenge which can affect the market demand for ambulatory surgery centers.