Cardiology is a growing specialty at ASCs — Becker’s reported on 26 cardiology-focused ASCs opened or announced in 2024.
“Cardiology is now the big hot ticket for ASCs,” Bruce Feldman, administrator of Eastern Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center in Cornwall, N.Y., told Becker’s. “A lot of centers are beginning to do cardiac procedures, vascular stenting, ICD implants, etc.”
Here are six insights on cardiology’s rise in ASCs:
- According to ASC strategic services provider Avanza’s “2022 Key ASC Benchmarks and Industry Figures” report, cardiology is the fastest-growing ASC specialty.
- Cardiology operating room times decreased by approximately 28% compared to the previous year, according to HST Pathways’ latest “State of the Industry Report.”
- Despite improved efficiency, average net revenue per case declined 8%, from $5,014 to $4,611.
- Cardiology accounted for 24% of total ASC block time utilization in 2024.
- The average number of days to bill cardiology cases dropped to 5 in 2024, down from 7.9 in 2023.
- Major ASC chains are taking note. Optum’s ASC arm, Deerfield, Ill.-based SCA Health, acquired at least two cardiovascular providers in 2023. National Cardiovascular Partners comprises 21 cardiac catheterization and vascular labs. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.-based Pivotal Healthcare has 11 affiliate practices and 14 locations. Earlier this year, Marriottsville, Md.-based Bon Secours and Compass Surgical Partners partnered to build a cardiovascular surgery center in Short Pump, Va.