New Report Shows Increase in Colorectal Screenings at Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) Versus Hospitals

Volume of endoscopic and laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed in an outpatient setting increased 50% – improving patient access and creating opportunities for device companies

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AcuityMD, the intelligence platform for MedTech, announced data revealing increased access to colorectal screening and early treatment at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Across the U.S., the majority of all endoscopic colorectal procedures are now performed in ASCs, lowering barriers to care for patients who might delay or avoid screening. ASCs handled nearly 9 million endoscopic colorectal procedures in 2024 alone, a 50% volume increase since 2018.

Endoscopic exams play a central role in screening, surveillance, and early intervention, which can dramatically change outcomes for colorectal diseases such as cancer, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), and diverticulitis. One in 24 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime, IBD affects around 3 million people in the U.S, and diverticulitis is responsible for 300,000 hospitalizations per year.

While nearly 60% of endoscopic colorectal procedures are performed at ASCs nationally, rates vary by region. Nearly 70% of endoscopic colorectal procedures in the South are performed in an ASC, and the West is close behind with a 65% ASC share. The Northeast is more evenly divided, with a 55% share of procedure volume for ASCs. The Midwest is the only region below the national average -- just under 40% of procedures there are performed in an ASC.

Today’s report is promising, indicating more options where patients can receive critical screening and early treatment of concerns like lesions and polyps before they cause larger complications. However, it also highlights the need to continue increasing access to and raising awareness of the importance of these procedures in ASCs, specifically in geographies where rates lag behind. Not only will this help more patients benefit from early detection and prompt treatment, but it will also provide economic relief to the nation’s healthcare system, as ASCs are often at least 60% less expensive than hospitals, according to various sources. Early detection through ASC screening also prevents costlier care later. Colorectal diseases caught late often require complex laparoscopic procedures, 64% of which are still performed in hospitals rather than lower-cost ASCs.

“As more procedures migrate to ASCs, MedTech companies that don't follow that volume risk losing visibility into a fast-growing segment of the market – and the physicians driving it. Given this shift, it's important for companies to quickly identify relevant ASC market opportunities,” explained Lee Smith, AcuityMD Co-Founder and Vice President of Customer Experience. “Physicians at ASCs often open the door to larger opportunities at more hospitals nationwide.”

AcuityMD’s intelligence platform is built for the unique MedTech commercial process and combines streamlined workflows with robust data like contained in today’s report, enabling commercial teams to build comprehensive strategies focused on their best opportunities. AcuityMD’s platform capabilities include Forecasting, Pipeline, Targeting, Markets, Territories, Contracts, and Care Journeys.

Read more about the results of AcuityMD’s latest report here: https://www.acuitymd.com/blog/cms-data-shows-strong---but-uneven---asc-growth-for-colorectal-procedures

About AcuityMD

AcuityMD is an AI platform for MedTech trusted by nearly 500 MedTech companies – including eight of the top 10. Commercial leaders use AcuityMD to identify target markets, surface top opportunities, and grow their business. By combining real-world healthcare data with AI-powered insights, AcuityMD enables companies from pre-commercial to enterprise to understand where and how to sell faster to accelerate the adoption of medical technology. AcuityMD was named to Forbes’ 2025 “Next Billion-Dollar Startups” list – an elite group of 25 venture-backed U.S. companies identified as most likely to reach a $1 billion valuation.