US News & World Report releases results of second annual ‘Best ASCs’ ratings

Editor’s Note

US News & World Report announced on March 18 its 2025 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) ratings after evaluating 4,357 ASCs across four key specialty areas—Colonoscopy & Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics & Spine, and Urology. This marks the second annual edition of the publication’s effort to help consumers make informed decisions about where to seek safe and effective same-day surgical care.

A total of 733 ASCs achieved “High Performing” ratings, signifying notably strong clinical outcomes and lower rates of complications, emergency visits, and hospital admissions. According to US News, the recognized ASCs demonstrate complication rates that are between 36% and 54% lower on average than those of other facilities in their respective specialties. Specifically, top-rated ASCs saw fewer unplanned inpatient admissions—up to 48% fewer for Colonoscopy & Endoscopy—and a lower likelihood of emergency department visits, especially for Orthopedics & Spine and Urology patients.

“Our analysis of over 4,300 centers reveals that the top-performing facilities consistently show reduced emergency department visit rates,” Chelsey Wen, senior health data analyst at US News, told OR Manager. “We’re also seeing ASC operators actively use US News data to identify opportunities to improve their performance on quality measures.”

Among states, California (95), Florida (64), and Texas (54) led the nation with the most recognized facilities. Other states with high totals include Pennsylvania (36), Maryland (34), and Georgia (29). At the metropolitan level, Los Angeles had the highest number of top-rated ASCs (39), followed closely by New York (38), then Baltimore and Phoenix (both with 19). Each specialty area also has its standout states; for instance, California, Florida, and Texas lead in both Colonoscopy & Endoscopy and Ophthalmology.

US News collaborated with CareJourney by Arcadia to analyze Medicare fee-for-service claims from 2021 through 2023, risk-adjusting outcomes to account for patient complexity. Notably, this year’s methodology excludes certain procedures like secondary membranous cataract surgery from Ophthalmology and disqualifies pain centers that do not perform surgical interventions in Orthopedics & Spine. The refinements resulted in approximately 800 fewer facilities being rated in Orthopedics & Spine compared to the previous year.

For more information and to view the full list of top ASCs, click here. US News encourages patients to use these ratings as a starting point in consultation with healthcare providers when choosing an ASC.