Is the ASC industry in danger of ‘oligopoly’?
Becker's Healthcare November 20, 2024
The ASC industry is historically fragmented, with approximately 68% of facilities operating independently as of 2023. However, as consolidation gains traction, industry leaders are voicing concerns about the potential negative effects on administrators, physicians and patients.
The ASC industry is relatively young, with the first center opening in Phoenix in 1970. Over time, as the healthcare sector has become increasingly consolidated, more ASCs have turned to chain or private equity ownership. According to VMG Health, the number of ASCs partnered with a national operator grew from 1,339 in 2011 to 1,941 in 2023, reflecting a shifting ownership landscape.
Consolidation in the ASC industry accelerated between 2015 and 2018, driven by a series of megamergers.
In 2015, Tenet Healthcare purchased...