August poll results: Service line shifts push ASCs to expand capacity, redefine readiness

The migration of surgical cases from inpatient settings to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) continues to reshape perioperative leadership in 2025. Nationally, the trend is driven by payer incentives, patient preference, and cost pressures, with ASCs now performing more orthopedic, spine, and complex outpatient procedures than ever before. In fact, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association notes more than 80% of all surgical procedures are now performed in outpatient settings. Industry forecasts further suggest outpatient surgery volume will continue to grow by double digits over the next decade, reflecting the accelerating shift of cases once considered strictly inpatient. This shift is forcing organizations to rethink eligibility, infrastructure, and staffing to keep pace with demand.