U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Size

• The U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market size was valued at USD 38.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 60.64 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising demand for outpatient procedures, and advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, leading to a shift from hospital-based surgeries to cost-effective ambulatory care
• Furthermore, favorable reimbursement policies, reduced patient recovery times, and operational efficiencies are positioning ambulatory surgical centers as a preferred healthcare delivery model. These converging factors are accelerating their adoption across the country, thereby significantly boosting the industry’s growth

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Analysis

• Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), offering same-day surgical care including diagnostic and preventive procedures, are becoming integral to the healthcare system due to their cost-efficiency, shorter recovery times, and ability to alleviate pressure on hospitals by managing high surgical volumes in outpatient settings
• The growing demand for ASCs is primarily fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population, and expanding preference for minimally invasive procedures that require shorter stays and quicker discharge
• The market is witnessing strong growth due to a high number of facilities, favorable reimbursement policies, and growing investments in outpatient infrastructure, particularly in areas with rising healthcare needs and aging populations
• Demand is expected to grow rapidly in regions with expanding healthcare access, increasing insurance coverage, and rising demand for technologically advanced outpatient services
• The orthopedic segment dominated the ambulatory surgical centers market with a market share of 30.5% in 2024, propelled by the surge in sports injuries, joint replacements, and musculoskeletal disorders, alongside innovations in arthroscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques

Report Scope and U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Segmentation         

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Trends

“Expansion of Minimally Invasive Procedures and Technological Advancements”

•  A significant and accelerating trend in the ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) market is the growing shift toward minimally invasive surgical techniques supported by continuous technological innovations in surgical tools and diagnostics. This trend is enhancing patient outcomes, reducing recovery time, and enabling more complex procedures to be safely performed in outpatient settings
• For instance, advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted systems are now widely adopted in ASCs for orthopedic, gastrointestinal, and gynecological surgeries. These systems allow for greater precision, smaller incisions, and faster patient discharge compared to traditional open surgery
• The integration of real-time imaging, advanced endoscopic systems, and AI-assisted diagnostics within ASCs is further improving procedural efficiency and clinical decision-making. Technologies such as intraoperative navigation and high-definition visualization are becoming increasingly common, supporting a broader range of outpatient procedures
• ASCs are also leveraging digital platforms for pre-operative assessments and post-operative monitoring, enhancing patient engagement and reducing the need for in-person follow-ups
• This shift toward high-tech, minimally invasive care is fundamentally transforming how surgeries are delivered, making ASCs the preferred choice for both patients and payers seeking lower costs and improved healthcare efficiency. Consequently, healthcare providers and investors are expanding or establishing new ASC facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technologies
• The demand for technologically advanced ASCs is rising rapidly as both providers and patients value convenience, lower risk of complications, and cost-effectiveness—driving sustained growth across diverse medical specialties

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Dynamics

Driver

“Increased Cost Efficiency and Rising Patient Preference for Outpatient Care”

• The growing demand for cost-effective and efficient healthcare delivery is a major driver for the expansion of ambulatory surgical centers. ASCs offer high-quality surgical care at significantly lower costs compared to traditional hospital settings, making them an attractive option for both patients and payers
• For instance, procedures performed in ASCs typically cost 30–50% less than those in hospitals, with similar or better outcomes, resulting in increased insurer support and higher patient satisfaction
• The trend toward outpatient care is also fueled by changing patient expectations, including the desire for shorter stays, faster recovery, and reduced exposure to hospital-acquired infections. ASCs align with these expectations by providing same-day discharge and streamlined surgical experiences
• In addition, increasing adoption of bundled payment models and value-based care initiatives is incentivizing providers to shift procedures to outpatient environments. ASCs benefit from lower overhead costs and operational efficiencies, supporting their financial sustainability under these reimbursement models
• The growing preference for convenience, affordability, and specialized care is propelling ASC adoption across a broad range of specialties, including orthopedics, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and pain management

Restraint/Challenge

“Regulatory Compliance and Workforce Limitations”

• Despite their advantages, ASCs face regulatory and operational challenges that may hinder rapid expansion. Navigating complex licensure, accreditation, and reimbursement requirements can be time-consuming and costly, particularly for new or smaller facilities
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal standards for infection control, emergency preparedness, and patient safety demands continuous administrative oversight and resource allocation
• In addition, ASCs often face workforce limitations, including shortages of specialized nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical technicians trained in outpatient settings. Staffing constraints may limit a center’s ability to scale services or expand procedure types
• Rising demand also places pressure on ASC infrastructure and scheduling, requiring significant investment in facility upgrades, equipment, and digital health tools to maintain high-quality care
• Addressing these challenges through regulatory streamlining, workforce training programs, and strategic investment in infrastructure will be critical to supporting long-term growth and accessibility of ambulatory surgical services

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, IT components, IT products and services, ownership, surgery type, specialty, services, and population type.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into hospital-associated and free-standing. The free-standing segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by operational flexibility, lower overhead costs, and increasing preference for streamlined outpatient care. These centers are often designed to optimize patient flow, reduce wait times, and offer specialized services, making them attractive for both patients and providers.

The hospital-associated segment is anticipated to witness fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by access to hospital resources, ease of transition for complex procedures, and regulatory support encouraging coordinated care.

• By IT Components

On the basis of IT components, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into hardware, software, and services. The services segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by the growing need for system integration, maintenance, and cybersecurity management. Outsourcing IT services enables ASCs to focus on clinical excellence while ensuring infrastructure reliability.

The software segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing adoption of cloud-based platforms, EHR solutions, and digital scheduling tools to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

• By IT Product and Services

On the basis of IT product and services, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into clinical IT solutions, non-clinical healthcare IT solutions, HCIT outsourcing services, EHR, practice management, telehealth, healthcare analytics, PHM, supply chain management, RCM, surgical planning, and quality management. The electronic health records (EHR) segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by regulatory mandates, the need for real-time data access, and integration with practice management systems.

The telehealth segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising demand for virtual pre-op consultations and post-op monitoring, enabling convenient and efficient continuity of care.

• By Ownership

On the basis of ownership, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into physician-only, corporate-hospital, and others. The physician-only segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by autonomy in clinical operations, direct patient engagement, and streamlined decision-making. These centers often cater to niche specialties with high procedural efficiency.

The corporate-hospital segment is projected to experience fastest growth during the forecast period due to increased mergers and acquisitions, access to capital investment, and scalability through hospital integration.

• By Surgery Type

On the basis of surgery type, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopedic, pain management/spinal injections, plastic surgery, podiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, dental, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and others. The orthopedic segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by the rise in joint replacement procedures, sports injuries, and minimally invasive techniques.

The pain management/spinal injections segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by growing demand for chronic pain treatment and advancements in interventional pain therapies.

• By Specialty

On the basis of specialty, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into single specialty and multispecialty. The single specialty segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by high procedural volume, operational simplicity, and focused clinical expertise. These centers often exhibit greater cost control and streamlined care delivery.

The multispecialty segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing demand for comprehensive surgical care in one facility and the ability to cater to a broader patient population.

• By Services

On the basis of services, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into diagnosis and treatment. The treatment segment dominated the market with the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by the expansion of outpatient surgical procedures and advancements in minimally invasive surgery.

The diagnosis segment is expected to witness fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, supported by the integration of pre-operative assessments, imaging, and lab testing within ASC facilities to ensure seamless patient management.

• By Population Type

On the basis of population type, the U.S. ambulatory surgical centers market is segmented into children and adults. The adults segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by a higher incidence of age-related conditions, chronic diseases, and demand for elective surgeries.

The children segment is anticipated to grow fastest from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing pediatric surgical volumes and specialized outpatient centers focusing on ENT, dental, and minor orthopedic procedures.

U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market Share

The U.S. ambulatory surgical centers industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• United Surgical Partners International, Inc. (U.S.)
• Surgery Partners, Inc. (U.S.)
• HCA Healthcare, Inc. (U.S.)
• Surgical Care Affiliates, LLC (U.S.)
• AMSURG Corp. (U.S.)
• Tenet Healthcare Corporation (U.S.)
• Nobilis Health Corp. (U.S.)
• Physicians Endoscopy, LLC (U.S.)
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America (ASCOA), LLC (U.S.)
• Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) (U.S.)
• North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) (U.S.)
• National Surgical Healthcare (NSH) (U.S.)
• Medical Facilities Corporation (Canada)
• Regent Surgical Health, LLC (U.S.)
• Constitution Surgery Alliance, LLC (U.S.)
• SurgCenter Development (U.S.)
• US Anesthesia Partners, Inc. (U.S.)
• United Digestive, LLC (U.S.)
• American Surgical Group, LLC (U.S.)
• Vision Integrated Partners (U.S.)

What are the Recent Developments in U.S. Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market?

• In April 2023, United Surgical Partners International (USPI), a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare, announced the expansion of its ambulatory surgical center network through the acquisition of multiple new centers across key urban markets. This strategic move is aimed at increasing access to outpatient surgical services and enhancing its market presence. By broadening its footprint, USPI continues to reinforce its leadership in delivering cost-effective, high-quality surgical care in outpatient settings
• In March 2023, Surgery Partners Inc. unveiled a multi-year partnership with ValueHealth to develop and operate a series of high-acuity ambulatory surgical centers focused on orthopedic and cardiovascular procedures. This collaboration is designed to optimize procedural outcomes while reducing the overall cost of care, demonstrating the ongoing shift toward value-based outpatient care delivery in the U.S. healthcare landscape
• In March 2023, HCA Healthcare announced a significant investment in expanding its ambulatory surgery capabilities, with a focus on integrating digital health platforms and data analytics across its ASC operations. This initiative highlights the growing role of healthcare IT in enhancing operational efficiency, improving patient engagement, and ensuring seamless care coordination in outpatient surgical environments
• In February 2023, SCA Health (formerly Surgical Care Affiliates), a part of Optum, launched a new platform focused on enhancing ASC operational performance through advanced analytics and performance benchmarking. The initiative aims to improve clinical outcomes and streamline workflow efficiency across its ASC network, reinforcing the role of data-driven decision-making in ambulatory care settings
• In January 2023, NorthStar Anesthesia announced the expansion of its anesthesia services across a large network of ambulatory surgical centers, highlighting the increasing demand for specialized anesthesia care in outpatient settings. The expansion supports high patient throughput and safe, efficient surgical procedures, underlining the importance of integrated perioperative care models within the ASC market

SKU-65950