WINDHAM, N.H. – October 30, 2026 -- Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) volumes are projected to grow 24% over the next decade, while national workforce projections point to clinician shortages in 2027 across specialties that drive ASC case volume. Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a locum tenens and healthcare workforce company, released a report compiling industry research, national data and its own proprietary data on the trend.
Outpatient settings now handle more than 80% of surgeries
The report, titled "Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Market Growth, Workforce Pressures, and Operational Demands," finds that more than 80% of surgeries are now performed in an outpatient setting. About 90% of ASCs have some degree of physician ownership.
Maryland, Georgia, Idaho and Arizona lead on ASC density
These four states have the highest number of ASCs per 100,000 residents, according to the report.
Anesthesiology and gastroenterology face 2027 shortfalls
National projections indicate clinician shortages in 2027 across several specialties that contribute to ASC case volume. The report names anesthesiology and gastroenterology among them. A projected 24% volume increase over the decade would add demand for these specialties as supply tightens.
The report is Medicus' consolidated overview of the current ASC market. The source does not disclose the underlying shortage figures or the report's full list of findings.