Ascension Acquires Amsurg: Ambulatory Surgery Expansion
Ascension is set to acquire Amsurg in a landmark $3.9 billion deal,dramatically expanding its reach within the outpatient market. this strategic move, expected to close later this year, adds over 250 ambulatory surgery centers and reflects Ascension’s pivot towards outpatient services. The integration of Amsurg’s ambulatory surgery centers is a significant step in meeting patient demand for accessible care. This acquisition aims for a broader market presence with the aim to improve financial performance. Ascension’s shift aligns with a nationwide trend, as evidenced by the company’s active strategy.For more on similar acquisitions check out News Directory 3. The deal highlights the increasing importance of outpatient services. Discover what’s next in the world of healthcare innovation.
Ascension to Acquire Amsurg for $3.9 Billion, Expanding Outpatient Reach
Ascension, a nonprofit health system, announced Tuesday it will acquire Amsurg, an ambulatory surgery provider. The deal, estimated at $3.9 billion according to sources familiar with the matter,is expected to close later this year,pending regulatory approval. This acquisition will add more than 250 ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across 34 states to Ascension’s portfolio, significantly boosting its outpatient care network.
The move to acquire Amsurg aligns with Ascension’s strategic shift away from inpatient facilities and toward the growing outpatient market. In recent years, the St. Louis-based health system has divested numerous hospitals in states including Illinois, Michigan, and New York.
Eduardo Conrado, president of Ascension, stated that the acquisition aims to broaden access to the expanding outpatient market and meet patient demand for convenient, community-based care. The ambulatory surgery center acquisition is a key part of Ascension’s strategy.
“The shift from inpatient to outpatient care is accelerating nationwide. By investing in AMSURG’s strong ASC network, we are proactively responding to this transformation,” Conrado said.
Despite this strategic shift, Ascension still maintains a important hospital presence, with 94 wholly owned hospitals and ownership stakes in 27 others.The health system is actively pursuing a financial turnaround after reporting a $1.1 billion net loss in 2024, partly attributed to a cyberattack. The company’s most recent financial results showed a $101.2 million operating loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.
Amsurg,one of the largest ASCs by revenue,was previously part of Envision Healthcare. It became an independent entity following Envision’s bankruptcy restructuring in 2023.As then, Amsurg has focused on expanding its footprint, including acquiring an ownership interest in river Road Surgery Center in Oregon in July 2024 and Texarkana Surgery Center in Northeast Texas at the beginning of 2025. This outpatient market growth is a key driver for Ascension.
What’s next
With the acquisition of amsurg, Ascension aims to solidify its position in the outpatient care market and improve its financial performance.The deal is expected to enhance patient access to community-based surgical services across a wide geographic area, reflecting the increasing importance of ambulatory surgery centers in healthcare delivery.