Ascension Acquires Outpatient Surgery Firm With Michigan Operations

Ascension sold off all its hospitals in Michigan, but now spends $ 3.9 billion to acquire a nationwide outpatient surgery firm, AmSurg.  AmSurg operates more than 250 outpatient surgery centers across 34 states and was a part of Envision Healthcare before their 2023 bankruptcy. Ascension bought AmSurg from Pacific Investment Management Co, King Street Capital Management, and Partners Group.

Getting past the corporate double-speak in this press release: Outpatient surgery has better financial prospects than full fledged hospitals.  Expensive, government mandated charity care provided to the indigent at full fledged hospitals is not required of outpatient surgery centers:

https://about.ascension.org/news/2025/06/ascension-enters-into-an-agreement-to-acquire-amsurg

Ascension Enters into an Agreement to Acquire AMSURG
6/17/2025

Ascension, one of the nation’s leading Catholic and non-profit health systems, today announced an expansion of its care delivery network through an agreement to acquire AMSURG. This strategic and Mission-aligned acquisition marks a milestone in Ascension’s journey to transform healthcare delivery and expand access to compassionate, high-quality outpatient care in communities across the country.

This transformative acquisition will add more than 250 ambulatory surgery centers across 34 states to Ascension’s network, significantly expanding its ability to deliver care in community-based settings, upon closing of the transaction. These centers specialize in gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and other services that are increasingly sought after by patients looking for convenient, lower-cost alternatives to traditional inpatient care. With this expansion, Ascension is deepening its commitment to delivering care that meets individuals where they are, in settings that are more accessible, more efficient and more responsive to patients’ evolving preferences and needs.

AMSURG is recognized as a national leader in the development, management, and operation of ambulatory surgery centers. With over three decades of experience, AMSURG has established a reputation for clinical excellence, strong physician partnerships, and operational innovation, resulting in exceptional quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“This acquisition is deeply aligned with Ascension’s Mission to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, especially those most in need,” said Joe Impicciche, Chief Executive Officer, Ascension. “It reflects our steadfast commitment to expanding access to care in a way that is more affordable, more local, and more centered around the dignity and well-being of those we serve.”

The transaction is a continuation of Ascension’s deliberate and disciplined strategy to reposition the organization for long-term sustainability while staying true to its Mission. In recent years, Ascension has taken a thoughtful approach to rightsizing its operational footprint and reallocating resources to better align with how and where care is being delivered across the country. This strategy is rooted in a commitment to delivering the right care, in the right setting, at the right time and for the appropriate level of acuity.

“The healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, and Ascension is leading the way in adapting to that change,” said Eduardo Conrado, President, Ascension. “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. We are investing in a platform to support independent physician groups and health care systems alike, and, most crucially, we are ensuring that patients have access to the care they need in convenient, trusted and community-based environments.”

Ascension intends to continue AMSURG’s proven model of physician-led joint ventures and governance. This ensures that clinical leadership remains central to each center’s success and that physicians are empowered to shape the delivery of care in their communities.

“This acquisition represents an exciting next chapter for AMSURG,” said Jeff Snodgrass, Chief Executive Officer, AMSURG. “Our partnership with Ascension builds on a shared commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and local physician leadership. By joining one of the nation’s most respected health systems, we are strengthening our ability to serve patients and communities, while continuing to elevate the outpatient surgical experience across the country.”

Integration efforts will focus on upholding and enhancing the quality, safety and operational excellence that both organizations are known for, while also ensuring a seamless experience for patients and providers. The newly expanded network will operate with a shared commitment to Ascension’s foundational values — reverence, integrity, wisdom, creativity and dedication to those most in need. Ascension will also continue to support its other partners that provide services to patients in its system of care.

“This is more than just an acquisition—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe,” Impicciche added. “By bringing AMSURG’s ASC business into the Ascension family, we are advancing a shared vision for healthcare that is more compassionate, more connected and more just. This step strengthens our ability to care for people in ways that honor their dignity and meet the needs of the whole person—body, mind and spirit.”

With this acquisition, Ascension takes another bold step forward in its long-term vision to build a more connected, equitable and value-driven healthcare ecosystem—one in which every person has access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.