Cardiology is entering a new era as procedures steadily migrate from hospitals to outpatient settings, particularly ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). A recent piece from MedHQ highlights the trend from both the hospital and physician perspectives, underscoring that this shift is fueled by advances in technology, favorable reimbursement policies, and growing patient demand for convenient, lower-cost care.
The recently proposed 2026 CMS payment rule reinforces this momentum by recommending the addition of electrophysiology ablations and expanded PCI procedures to the ASC Covered Procedures List. These updates build on earlier changes that moved diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures into surgery centers, paving the way for broader adoption of high-quality cardiovascular care outside the hospital setting.
Hospitals, physicians, and ASC leaders all face critical decisions in this evolving landscape. Hospitals must reimagine their cardiovascular service lines to remain aligned with physicians and retain patient trust. Cardiologists have new opportunities for independence, growth, and ownership through ASC participation. And for ASCs, cardiology represents one of the most significant growth opportunities in years but also demands preparation for clinical and operational complexity.
At Heart & Vascular Partners, we are proud to partner with independent physicians to navigate these changes. By combining clinical excellence with operational expertise, we help practices expand patient access, strengthen outcomes, and build resilience in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Read the full MedHQ white paper here.
