From seismic policy shifts to blockbuster deals and the accelerating migration of higher-acuity care into the outpatient setting, 2025 was a defining year for the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry.
ASC News readers gravitated toward stories that captured an industry in transition – one balancing rapid growth and innovation with mounting regulatory action, reimbursement pressures, and questions about scale, ownership and independence.
Clinical evolution was another important theme. Readers showed strong interest in how emerging technologies such as surgical robotics are reshaping outpatient care, as well as how operators are rethinking patient selection, cardiovascular services and orthopedic growth to safely expand the scope of what can be done outside the hospital.
Taken together, ASC News’ top stories of 2025 tell the story of a sector pushing boundaries – clinically, financially and in terms of advocacy, too. The list below reflects not only what captured attention, but what shaped the conversation for ASC leaders navigating a pivotal moment for the industry.