As Q3 wraps, this episode spotlights the signals that matter for ASC leaders heading into the busiest quarter of the year. We track policy direction, the continued shift of cases to outpatient settings, and how employer data transparency is accelerating site-of-care redirection. We scan market momentum and partnerships, revisit anesthesia coverage and how centers are adapting, and share pragmatic AI wins that tighten schedules and improve RCM. Skim the quarter’s major ASC trends in under 20 minutes to guide Q4 execution and set up 2026 planning.

Resources mentioned:

CMS proposed CY-2026 OPPS/ASC rule

ICD-10-CM FY-2026 code update

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Pulse of the Purchaser 2025 Survey

Tenet Reports Strong Second Quarter 2025 Results; Raises 2025 Financial Outlook

Ascension nears $3.9B AmSurg acquisition: Bloomberg

Avanza Strategies 6th Hospital Leadership ASC Survey

JAMA Surgery, Effect of a Predictive Model on Planned Surgical Duration Accuracy, Patient Wait Time, and Use of Presurgical Resources

Becker’s ASC Annual Meeting, October 16–18, Chicago

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