Cardiology Procedures in ASCs and Patient Access

This research report discusses the increasing demand for cardiology procedures, specifically cardiac catheterization (CATH) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in the context of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). It outlines the approval of 17 cardiac procedures by CMS for ASCs, which has enhanced patient access while reducing healthcare costs. The report presents findings from a study analyzing claims data from 2022 and 2023, indicating that approximately 10% of CATH and PCI procedures are performed in ASCs. It highlights the challenges faced in California, where many cardiology procedures are not approved for ASCs, leading to longer wait times for patients. The report also details the migration trends from hospital outpatient departments (HOPD) to ASCs, showing a slow but steady increase in procedure volume in ASCs. The findings suggest that improving access to CATH and PCI procedures in ASCs could significantly reduce wait times and enhance patient care outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.