A wave of new companies is emerging to support independent ASCs, pushing back against industry consolidation by prioritizing physician ownership, autonomy and innovative management models.
Here are three of the companies disrupting the industry:
Ker Medical
Ker Leader Medical is redefining ASC development by promoting physician independence through a co-op-style model. Rather than following the corporate, private equity-backed approach, Ker empowers local physician leadership with creative, low-cost financing.
Co-founder Woodrow Moore told Becker’s that Ker’s mission is rooted in strengthening independent ASCs through physician governance.
“We believe that physician leadership results in better-quality healthcare,” Mr. Moore said. “Independent ASCs prioritize physician governance and leadership, which strengthens their ability to remain independent. This independence is closely tied to providing comprehensive patient care through ancillary services.”
The industry has seen increasing consolidation — with ASCs affiliated with national operators rising from 1,339 in 2011 to nearly 2,000 today. Ker aims to counter this trend.
John Webb, Ker co-founder and president of MMC Capital Markets, described their “Costco” financing model, which bypasses private equity.
“We can structure deals directly in the capital markets,” he said. “This gives me the power to dictate terms, unlike traditional banks that control terms.”
Sapient Health
Sapient Health, relaunched in 2022 by Joseph Romano and Bill Ingram, is another player focused on a physician-driven, locally informed ASC model. Initially founded in 2014 as a turnaround firm, Sapient now blends the capabilities of a large management company with a boutique feel.
Mr. Romano, a former executive at United Surgical Partners International, described Sapient as having “the expertise of a large management company while maintaining a personalized, startup-like feel.”
“It’s crucial for physicians to lead their centers, but they also need to understand business operations to ensure longevity,” Mr. Romano told Becker’s. “Beyond the first 15 to 20 years, ASCs need a long-term strategy, not just a liquidity event with private equity. Helping physicians build sustainable ASCs is critical.”
Sapient typically enters partnerships as a minority owner, allowing physicians to stay in control. The firm is especially active in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, helping address common ASC challenges such as the high cost of entry and succession planning.
Surgical Solutions IPA
Gregg Gordon launched Surgical Solutions IPA in 2024, creating one of the nation’s first independent practice associations solely for ASCs. Based in New York City, SSIPA brings together independent centers to negotiate better payer contracts, streamline operations, and protect autonomy.
“In the past, ASCs weren’t as ubiquitous as they are now,” Mr. Gordon told Becker’s. “Many believed their value proposition would eventually be recognized by payers, vendors and others. So they didn’t see the need to organize or form structures like SSIPA. But the landscape has changed.”
With rising costs and stagnant reimbursements, Mr. Gordon emphasized the need for collective leverage.
“No single ASC has enough leverage to compel payers to negotiate in good faith,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a struggle just to get a copy of the contract, let alone renegotiate it.”
SSIPA currently partners with 14 ASCs in New York and plans to expand into New Jersey by late 2025, with national growth on the horizon.
The post The new players disrupting the ASC industry appeared first on Becker’s ASC.
