Rise in Cardiac Procedures at Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Vulnerable Communities, New Study Shows

Recent research highlights a significant increase in the utilization of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) for cardiac interventions within socially vulnerable areas. The first study examining Medicare patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in ASCs found that these facilities are now treating 15% more patients from socioeconomically challenged communities, compared to previous data. The study, presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2025 Scientific Sessions, observed a rise in ASC procedures from minimal levels in 2018 to nearly 0.87 per 10,000 person-years in 2022.

Ambulatory surgery centers, which are non-hospital facilities providing same-day surgical care, have become increasingly popular since Medicare began covering certain PCI procedures in these settings in 2020. The shift is driven by potential cost savings, technological advancements, and the aging population seeking convenient care options. Between 2024 and 2034, the volume of procedures in ASCs is expected to grow by 21%. This study specifically analyzed trends, patient characteristics, and outcomes of outpatient PCI in Medicare beneficiaries across different settings.

Analyzing data from 2020 to 2022 involving over 408,000 patients, researchers found that 1.8% underwent PCI in ASCs, with the remaining 98.2% treated in hospital outpatient departments. Patients treated at ASCs were more likely to be from the Southern US and live in socially vulnerable neighborhoods—36.6% compared to 21.9% in hospital settings. Notably, fewer patients in ASCs underwent complex procedures like multivessel PCI.

Safety outcomes at 30 days demonstrated comparable rates of mortality, stroke, pericardial effusion, tamponade, and access-site bleeding between ASC and hospital outpatient groups. However, hospital outpatient patients experienced higher rates of all-cause hospitalization and myocardial infarction, while those treated in ASCs showed higher rates of repeat PCI. Lead author Katerina Dangas highlighted that patients are increasingly choosing ASCs for their lower costs and convenience, with physicians carefully selecting suitable candidates. She emphasized the importance of participating in national registries to establish quality benchmarks tailored to the ASC setting.

As procedural volumes continue to grow, ongoing research is essential to ensure safety and optimal outcomes for patients treated in ambulatory centers.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-ambulatory-surgery-centers-patients-socially.html